In the heart of Indianapolis, there’s a man whose life revolves around the perfect spiral, the flawless play call, and the relentless pursuit of football excellence. At just 38 years old, Shane Steichen isn’t your typical NFL head coach–he’s what industry insiders reverently call “all ball.” This isn’t just colorful commentary; it’s the perfect description of a man whose mind operates on a different frequency. While most of us count sheep to fall asleep, Steichen’s brain is likely running game strategies.
The Colts‘ HC kicked off his coaching journey with various positions, starting as the offensive coordinator for the Chargers in 2020, then moving to a defensive assistant role with the San Diego Chargers in 2011, and later serving as a quality control coach for the Cleveland Browns in 2013. He took the Eagles to new heights, with their offense ranking in the top 10 of the NFL in 2022, before landing the head coach job with the Colts in 2023. With all the different paths he’s taken in his coaching career, he’s now recognized as one of the finest coaches in NFL history. But there’s a story behind that calm and smart demeanor, and it’s his early experiences that crafted him.
What is Shane Steichen’s journey like?
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Even though there’s no information available about the HC’s upbringing, or who his parents are, we do know quite a lot about his journey to be a standout athlete. Steichen, a student-athlete from Oak Ridge High School near Sacramento, California, had officially signed with UNLV. From 2003 to 2006, he racked up four letter awards and tied for 11th in the school’s history with 22 touchdown passes and 2,755 passing yards. He also scored five touchdowns and rushed for an impressive 399 yards.
In a remarkable feat, Steichen became the first player in UNLV’s history to throw for 250 yards and rush for over 100 yards (104) in a single game during a 2005 win against Idaho. As a senior, he set a program record by throwing five touchdown passes in a tough overtime loss to New Mexico.
While playing for the Oak Ridge Trojans, he led his team to a stellar 12-1 record and clinched the Sack Joaquin Championship in 2002. Ever wondered what fuels Shane Steichen’s passion beyond the game? Let’s dive into the man behind the playbook!
The Colts’ HC: Beyond the world of Sports!
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Shane Steichen graduated from Oak Ridge High School and earned his degree in journalism and media studies from UNLV and currently lives in Sacramento, California.
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When people ask him why he didn’t pursue a career in media, he says, “I always wanted to be in sports.” He adds that his main goal was to become a coach, but if that didn’t pan out, he thought about broadcasting football as a backup plan.
This adaptable head coach loves to spend his rare free time fishing. During the summer, when he actually gets some time off, he enjoys fly-fishing in the mountains and streams of Colorado and Idaho.
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He mentioned he’s been to Colorado once for skiing and has visited Idaho a few times. When he’s out there in the mountains, all his attention shifts from football to the fly or trout that’s about to bite. He’s also keen on checking out Jackson Hole, Wyoming, and Montana, as he’d really like to explore those areas.
Shane Steichen embodies a multifaceted individual who excels not only in sports, but also in various aspects of life, making him an exemplary figure in every sense.
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Is Shane Steichen the most underrated coach in the NFL, or is he finally getting his due?