Now at the helm of the Colts (5-1), Shane Steichen began his coaching journey in 2011 as a defensive assistant with the Chargers (4-2), playing with them for nine seasons.
At 40 years old, Steichen is still held in high esteem within the Chargers, heading into the Indianapolis – Los Angeles game (Sunday, 4:05 p.m.).
« Coach Steichen has done a tremendous job with the team and with the offense. Those around me have nothing but great things to say about him and his time here,” said Chargers head coach Jim Harbaugh.
Before leading the team with the best offense this season (194 points), Steichen got his first coordinator job late in a second stint with the Chargers.
After two seasons in offensive quality control, Steichen led the quarterbacks from 2016 to 2019, then served as interim offensive coordinator in 2019. He remained in charge of the offense in 2020, before joining the Philadelphia Eagles.
“I spent nine years of my career there and I have tremendous respect for them,” Steichen said. Dean Spanos (Chargers owner and president), John Spanos (president of football operations) and AG Spanos (president of business operations) offered me an opportunity. I sincerely thank them. »
The 2020 season was the first NFL season for quarterback Justin Herbert, who was drafted sixth overall. Herbert appreciated the collaboration and would have liked to see it continue.
“It was really fun,” Herbert said. He’s a great coach, a leader, a friend, and it’s no surprise they’re so successful. I learned a lot from him. »
Since linebacker Khalil Mack injured his elbow in a Week 2 win at Las Vegas, the Chargers have given up at least 20 points and 118 yards rushing in every game.
Mack was reinstated as an active player this week, which should allow him to play on Sunday.
“It would be great (if he came back),” Harbaugh said. When I think of Khalil Mack, the words that come to mind are ‘football player’. It’s the greatest compliment we can give you. »
Colts running back Jonathan Taylor led the NFL in rushing yards in 2021. He can also be very useful as a pass catcher.
Taylor leads the league with 603 rushing yards and seven touchdowns this way in 2025.
He has also made huge strides in pass protection.
“Individual drills, blocking drills,” Steichen said. The little details add up. It takes consistency, perseverance and making sure you’re on the same page with the offensive line and Daniel (Jones), knowing exactly who to block and how. He does an excellent job. »
Harbaugh seizes well the recovery of quarterback Daniel Jones with Indianapolis; he himself experienced a bit of the same thing when he was a player.
In 1995, Harbaugh finished fourth in NFL Most Valuable Player voting. He nearly led the Colts to the Super Bowl, failing on a missed ‘Hail Mary’ pass in the AFC Championship Game.
“It was like being immersed in magical waters,” Harbaugh said. Throughout the season, that’s the impression it gave. Everything fell into place naturally. »
