“At This Juncture, I Have to Resign for Peace to Reign in My Family” — Shane Steichen on Resigning from Indianapolis Colts
Indianapolis Colts head coach Shane Steichen shocked the NFL world this week by announcing his resignation from the team, citing a need to prioritize his family’s well-being and personal peace. In a heartfelt statement, Steichen, 38, expressed that after much reflection, the decision to step down was one made with the best interests of both his family and his career in mind.
Steichen, who took over as head coach of the Colts in 2023, was widely regarded as a rising star in the coaching ranks. Prior to joining Indianapolis, he was the offensive coordinator for the Philadelphia Eagles, helping lead the team to a Super Bowl appearance in 2023. His success with the Eagles’ high-powered offense earned him the Colts’ head coaching job, where he was tasked with developing young talent and steering the team toward contention in the competitive AFC South.
However, in a candid press conference, Steichen shared that the intense demands of coaching at the highest level had taken a toll on his personal life. “At this juncture, I have to resign for peace to reign in my family,” Steichen said, his voice breaking with emotion. “This decision was not an easy one, but after a lot of soul-searching and discussions with my family, I’ve realized that the time has come for me to step away. My loved ones deserve my full attention, and right now, my focus needs to be on them.”
Steichen’s resignation comes as a surprise to many, as he had only begun to make his mark in Indianapolis. Despite a challenging 2024 season, with the Colts struggling to find consistency at quarterback and overall team performance, Steichen remained committed to the organization’s long-term vision. Yet, the pressures of balancing the demands of professional football with family life became increasingly difficult.
“Coaching in the NFL is a dream, but it comes with a price,” Steichen continued. “I’ve learned that while we chase success on the field, we can sometimes lose sight of what truly matters off the field.”
The Colts organization expressed full support for Steichen’s decision, with team owner Jim Irsay releasing a statement saying, “We respect Shane’s decision and thank him for his contributions. His leadership, dedication, and passion for the game will always be appreciated here. We wish him and his family nothing but the best moving forward.”
As Steichen steps away from the sidelines, speculation about who will take over as the Colts’ next head coach begins, with assistant coaches and potential external candidates now in the mix. But for now, Steichen is focused on reclaiming balance and harmony in his personal life, having made the difficult but necessary choice to step away from the game he loves.
