Colts' Shane Steichen on owner Carlie Irsay-Gordon being on sideline: 'I have strong thoughts'

Indianapolis — Shane Steichen, the Colts head coach, has expressed his strong opinion regarding Carlie Irsay-Gordon's sideline presence. The presence of the team's owner on the sideline has been a subject of much debate since the beginning of the season, with many criticizing its potential impact on the coaching process. Steichen firmly believes that Irsay-Gordon's presence has been nothing but positive for the team and its players.

She has been on the sideline since the tenure of former head coach Frank Reich to better understand the game and make informed decisions. Irsay-Gordon spends her time on the sideline understanding the logistical issues that arise on game day, such as communication, minor injuries, and player availability. She meets with Steichen every Monday to go over game recaps, which makes the conversation smoother as she already knows what happened during the game.

Irsay-Gordon and the Colts have consistently clarified that she is not offering any input or criticism on the team's play calls. A viral clip from a pregame interview shows Irsay-Gordon asking a question during a Sunday game against Washington, but it was not a real-time incident on the field. Steichen emphasizes the importance of Irsay-Gordon's relationships with players and staff, stating that her presence in the building allows her to gain a better understanding of their needs.