The Indianapolis Colts moved on from GM Chris Ballard on Monday, but ESPN analyst Ben Solak believes they were right to keep Shane Steichen on the sideline.
After Indianapolis fired Chris Ballard following a 2-4 start, Solak argued in his column that the organization’s roster construction deserves more blame than its coaching. He also sees enough in Steichen’s offensive undertakings to justify giving him a chance to survive the leadership change.
“Steichen remains one of the league’s best coaches for optimal fourth-down decision-making and clock management,” Solak wrote.
Solak acknowledged Steichen’s failure to develop Anthony Richardson Sr., but believes his work with Jalen Hurts in Philadelphia and Daniel Jones in Indianapolis outweighs that
disappointment.
The Colts squandered a 13-point halftime lead in Sunday’s 26-20 loss to the previously winless Tennessee Titans. Next comes a road matchup against the undefeated Minnesota Vikings, with 11 regular-season games remaining.
Owner Carlie Irsay-Gordon emphasized in Monday’s announcement that the organization still expects improvement and victories this season.
Keeping Steichen affords Indianapolis more time to evaluate if he belongs in its next chapter. It also gives him some time to demonstrate that the offense can recover as the franchise searches for its next general manager.
At present, that evaluation continues Sunday in Minnesota.
This article originally appeared on Colts Wire: Colts made right call keeping Shane Steichen, ESPN analyst says
