In the realm of Indianapolis Colts history, Shane Steichen stands on the precipice of greatness, with the potential to carve out a legacy that rivals that of legendary coach Tony Dungy. Steichen, only in his second season as head coach of the Colts, may not yet have solidified his place as an Indy icon, but if he remains at the helm for years to come, he could very well etch his name in the annals of the franchise’s history alongside the likes of Dungy.
When discussing the greatest coaches in Colts history, names like Weeb Ewbank, Don Shula, and Don McCafferty often come to mind. Ewbank, a Hall of Famer, led the Baltimore Colts to back-to-back NFL championships in the late 1950s, while Shula brought home an NFL title in 1968, and McCafferty secured a victory in Super Bowl V. These are the luminaries of Colts coaching lore, with each leaving an indelible mark on the franchise’s history.
But as we shift our focus to the Indianapolis era, which dawned in 1984, it becomes clear that Dungy reigns supreme as the undisputed greatest Colts coach of all time. In his seven seasons with the team, Dungy guided the Colts to the playoffs every year, amassing an impressive 85-27 regular-season record and a 7-6 postseason record. His six consecutive seasons with at least 12 wins set a precedent in NFL history, solidifying his status as a coaching legend. Dungy’s tenure in Indianapolis not only yielded the most wins in franchise history but also resulted in the team’s first Super Bowl victory post-relocation.
While other notable coaches like Jim Caldwell, Ted Marchibroda, and Chuck Pagano have also achieved success during the Indy era, it is Dungy who stands out as the “G.O.A.T.” His enshrinement into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 2016 further cements his legacy as an icon of Colts coaching excellence.
As for Shane Steichen, the road to greatness is a long and arduous one, with only a single season as head coach under his belt. While it may be premature to place him in the same echelon as Dungy, there is no denying the potential for Steichen to one day ascend to the ranks of the greatest Colts coaches not named Tony Dungy. Only time will tell if Steichen can fulfill his promise and etch his name alongside the coaching legends of Indianapolis Colts history.
