The Indianapolis Colts enter a critical stretch of the 2026 season with head coach Shane Steichen under mounting pressure after a 2-4 start.
Steichen holds a 27-30 regular-season record through more than three seasons, with no playoff appearances since taking over in 2023 following the dismissal of Frank Reich and a brief interim stint by Jeff Saturday.
Co-owner and CEO Carlie Irsay-Gordon placed both Steichen and general manager Chris Ballard on notice entering the year, demanding improved results after consecutive seasons of modest records that included an 8-9 finish in 2025 marred by a seven-game losing streak.
A recent 26-20 home loss to the previously winless Tennessee Titans, in which Indianapolis squandered a 13-0 lead, intensified scrutiny and prompted Steichen to express concern about his job security while hinting at possible quarterback changes involving Daniel Jones. Ballard was fired following the loss.
According to a Sporting News ranking by Vinnie Iyer of eight potential replacements should the Colts opt for a coaching change ahead of 2027, several established coordinators top the list based on scheme fit and experience.
The candidates range from defensive-minded options like Chris Shula of the Rams and Anthony Campanile of the Jaguars to offensive coordinators such as Declan Doyle of the Ravens and Nate Scheelhaase of the Rams.
Ranked seventh as a wild-card possibility is former Colts quarterback Andrew Luck, now serving as general manager of the Stanford football program at age 37.
Iyer wrote of the idea that Luck “does have the smarts and leadership to be the head coach of his former NFL team.”
Luck has spent his post-playing career focused on revitalizing Stanford, a program that has struggled to regain the consistent success it enjoyed during his playing days under coaches including Jim Harbaugh and David Shaw.
As a first overall pick in the 2012 NFL Draft who earned four Pro Bowl selections before retiring in 2019 amid injuries, Luck brings deep familiarity with the Colts organization and a reputation for intellectual approach to the game. Should a head coaching role not materialize, the ranking suggests Irsay-Gordon could consider Luck in a front-office capacity to succeed Ballard.
This would mirror the Atlanta Falcons’ decision to elevate former quarterback Matt Ryan into a key decision-making role.
The list concludes with Jim Harbaugh, currently the Chargers head coach, as a bold eighth option whose prior connection to Luck at Stanford could provide an unconventional but high-impact pairing in Indianapolis.
Harbaugh’s experience turning around programs and his history with the Colts as a player add intrigue, though contractual status remains a factor.
The overall ranking emphasizes a potential shift toward either proven defensive leadership or innovative offensive minds to reverse the Colts’ prolonged postseason drought.
With Steichen’s tenure defined by near-.500 results and recent collapses, the organization faces decisions that could reshape both the sideline and front office.
Such a move involving a franchise icon like Luck would represent a significant departure from conventional coaching searches.
