The Indianapolis Colts introduced new head coach Shane Steichen, officially marking him as the new leader in the clubhouse Tuesday.
It’s clear why the Colts favored Steichen over the rest of the candidates. His passion is clear, and his process is exactly what can excel in today’s NFL. There’s a lot of work to be done, but Steichen’s presser went off without a hitch.
Here are the biggest takeaways from Steichen’s introductory press conference:
1
Jim Irsay thanks Jeff Saturday
Jim Irsay: "Want to thank Jeff Saturday for his committed and professional effort, coming into a very difficult situation and doing an admirable job. … He means a lot to this organization."
— Joel A. Erickson (@JoelAErickson) February 14, 2023
2
Colts had outstanding candidates
Irsay says "in talking to over half a dozen candidates for five hours or more, we really had some outstanding candidates who wanted to be here. … I thank them all."
— Joel A. Erickson (@JoelAErickson) February 14, 2023
3
Irsay impressed with Steichen
Jim Irsay says this was a very thorough process with some great finalists.
They interviewed Shane Steichen in Philadelphia nine days before the Super Bowl and came away impressed with his leadership, toughness and fast mind.
— Nate Atkins (@NateAtkins_) February 14, 2023
4
Irsay met with Steichen for over 5 hours
.@Colts Owner & CEO Jim Irsay on Shane Steichen, who he talked with for 5 hours week before Super Bowl: "Shane was just tremendous in the interview. Showed incredible leadership, toughness, very fast mind, able to process information and disseminate information very quickly."
— JJ Stankevitz (@JJStankevitz) February 14, 2023
5
Chris Ballard emphasized a fair shot for each candidate
Chris Ballard admits an unconventional process.
Wanted candidates to get a "fair, equitable" shot at the job.
— Kevin Bowen (@KBowen1070) February 14, 2023
6
Ballard on Steichen's traits
Ballard on Shane Steichen:
"High integrity. High character. Brilliant football mind. Philosophically, we see the game the same way, and that's critical."
— Kevin Bowen (@KBowen1070) February 14, 2023
7
Steichen gets emotional as he thanks several people
An emotional Shane Steichen saying thanks to his high school coach, to Norv Turner, Mike McCoy, Anthony Lynn and especially to Nick Sirianni.
— Joel A. Erickson (@JoelAErickson) February 14, 2023
8
Steichen's gratitude and passion showing through
Steichen thanking every player on the Eagles offense.
"It's always about the players. And will always be about the players." https://t.co/tFF0NamJE6
— Kevin Bowen (@KBowen1070) February 14, 2023
9
Steichen's four pillars
Steichen wants to build his program on four pillars: Character, Preparation, Consistency and Relentless. #Colts
— George Bremer (@gmbremer) February 14, 2023
10
Ballard reiterates the process was about getting it right
Ballard on the length of the search: "I don't ever understand what the hurry is. It's about getting it right."
— Joel A. Erickson (@JoelAErickson) February 14, 2023
11
"Throw to score points and run to win"
Steichen on his offensive philosophy: "We're going to throw to score points in this league and run to win."
— Joel A. Erickson (@JoelAErickson) February 14, 2023
12
Steichen will call the plays
Shane Steichen will call plays for the @Colts' offense.
— JJ Stankevitz (@JJStankevitz) February 14, 2023
13
Offense will be dictated by QB style
Steichen says he will call the plays in Indianapolis. "The offense is going to be dictated on who's playing quarterback, and the rest of the players."
— Joel A. Erickson (@JoelAErickson) February 14, 2023
14
Undecided on retaining Gus Bradley
Steichen says the next process is hiring a staff.
No more than that on retaining Gus Bradley/defensive staff.
— Kevin Bowen (@KBowen1070) February 14, 2023
15
A young QB coming in
Irsay: "We felt that Shane had a lot of that offensive magic. … knowing that we're going to have to find that young quarterback to develop."
— Joel A. Erickson (@JoelAErickson) February 14, 2023
16
Got outside views on the roster
Ballard says one of the benefits of talking to so many candidates was getting a lot of outside views on the team's roster.
— Joel A. Erickson (@JoelAErickson) February 14, 2023
17
No issues in people coveting the Colts job
#Colts GM Chris Ballard: "We had no issues in people coveting the job and wanting to be interviewed."
— James Boyd (@RomeovilleKid) February 14, 2023
18
Steichen checked all the boxes
Chris Ballard says knowing Steichen could develop a young QB was not the defining factor. Steichen checked all boxes of what they were looking for.
— Meghan Hall (@TheMeghanHall) February 14, 2023
19
Chris Ballard has jokes
Chris Ballard joked that he might just trade back in the first round this year.
— Nate Atkins (@NateAtkins_) February 14, 2023
20
Jim Irsay gives Bryce Young a shoutout
Irsay: "Although the Alabama guy doesn't look bad, I'll tell ya." https://t.co/b1MeqkOjoa
— Albert Breer (@AlbertBreer) February 14, 2023
21
What Steichen learned from Nick Sirianni
Shane Steichen on what he learned from Nick Sirianni in Philly: “He never let anything slide,” he says of holding top players accountable. He stresses that.
— Zak Keefer (@zkeefer) February 14, 2023
22
Staying true to who you are
“Double down on what you believe in. Stay true to who you are. If you are going to fail, do it the way you want. If you are going to succeed, do it the way you want.”
Shane Steichen on how he wants to operate. #Colts
— Meghan Hall (@TheMeghanHall) February 14, 2023
