Shane Steichen of the Colts Not Included in the Award Competition.
After losing badly in the previous season, the Indianapolis Colts entered 2023 with a new outlook and a changed culture. The fact that the team was revitalized by new head coach Shane Steichen contributed significantly to its feeling of freshness.
Even though Steichen’s debut season was marred by a number of problems after Indianapolis, he managed to eke out an excellent 9-8 record—many had predicted five or six wins. Anthony Richardson, the quarterback, was also absent from this. With a QB-savvy coach like Steichen as his mentor, the Florida product might be ready to overachieve despite being a rookie with a lot to get used to.
Unfortunately, though, the winning record is all the more remarkable because backup Gardner Minshew led the dance for almost the whole season. Considering that this squad came close to winning the AFC South, Steichen ought to be a lock to make it to the finals for Coach of the Year.
This did not materialize, either, since Steichen was not chosen for any of the five final positions. Detroit Lions | Dan Campbell (12-5) Baltimore Ravens | John Harbaugh (13–4) Houston Texans | DeMeco Ryans (10-7) San Francisco 49ers | Kyle Shanahan (12-5) Cleveland Browns | Kevin Stefanski (11-6)
Names like Shanahan and Stefanski are less credible, while names like Ryans, Campbell, and Harbaugh stand out as worthy.
One of the NFL’s most complete rosters was that of Shanahan’s 49ers. In addition, players who played almost the whole season included defensive end Nick Bosa (17 games), tight end George Kittle (16 games), wide receiver Brandon Aiyuk (16 games), quarterback Brock Purdy (16 games), and running back Christian McCaffrey (16 games).
Not that Shanahan isn’t a capable coach—he’s among the finest in the league. However, he also has access to a top-tier roster, with the main players being nearly completely healthy. In addition, the 49ers’ offensive and defensive lines are ridiculously strong. In comparison to Shanahan, Browns coach Stefanski is more prone to disagreement.
Stefanski lost ruthless running back Nick Chubb and quarterback Deshaun Watson early in the campaign. But, where the argument lacks for Stefanski as a finalist is the brutalizing defense and, despite injuries, the highly efficient offensive line. For multiple weeks, Cleveland toted a top defense that featured world eater defensive pass-rusher Myles Garrett (finished with 14 sacks) and ace cornerback Denzel Ward.
It’s hard to argue against any of these five coaches, but for Steichen to not be a finalist is a bit of a stretch given the circumstances of the entire roster he dealt with in year one of his tenure. It’s likely if the Colts beat the Texans in Week 18 and make the postseason, while winning the AFC South, that Steichen would supplant either Stefanski or Shanahan as a finalist.
