Colts owner Jim Irsay decided to bring Steichen back, along with general manager Chris Ballard, rather than cutting the cord on a head coach Irsay described as a young Don Shula in the preseason. Steichen knows he needs to grow as a coach, and in the opening statement of his final press conference of the 2024 season, the 39-year-old made a vow.

A determined and disappointed coach Shane Steichen walked into the Indianapolis Colts' complex Monday morning already knowing his fate. He's returning for a third season, and general manager Chris Ballard is coming back,

"The expectation is to win our division and compete for championships," the Colts owner said in a statement announcing the decision.