Colts head coach Steichen to highlight Trine Scholarship Gala
ANGOLA, Ind. (12/09/2025) — Shane Steichen, head coach of the Indianapolis Colts, will address Trine University's 22nd annual Scholarship Gala on Saturday, Feb. 14, 2026.
The event, which raises money for student scholarships, starts at 6 p.m. in the Keith E. Busse/Steel Dynamics, Inc. Athletic Recreation Center on Trine's Angola campus.
"We're honored to have Coach Steichen join us, and we're looking forward to him sharing insights from a successful season," said Earl D. Brooks II, Ph.D., Trine University president. "Each year, the Scholarship Gala offers a premier event while raising funds that allow deserving students to afford a quality education at Trine. We're excited to have Coach Steichen be part of this wonderful evening."
In addition to hearing from Steichen, those in attendance will enjoy wine tasting, a gourmet dinner by Bon Appetit, live music provided by the Trine University Jazz Band, and live and silent auctions including sports memorabilia, vacations, jewelry, experience packages and artwork.
14 seasons in the NFL
Steichen was hired as head coach of the Indianapolis Colts in 2023. He has 18 years of coaching experience, including the last 14 seasons in the National Football League.
In his first year in Indianapolis, Steichen guided the team to a winning record, finishing the season 9-8. The Colts ranked in the top 10 in the NFL in points per game and rushing yards per game. In 2024, Steichen led the team to an 8-9 finish and a top 10 finish in rushing yards per game for the second consecutive season. The team also ranked eighth in the NFL in total rushing yards with 2,331.
Prior to joining the Colts, Steichen served as the offensive coordinator of the Philadelphia Eagles from 2021-22 and helped the team reach Super Bowl LVII in 2022.
During his two seasons as offensive coordinator, Steichen coordinated an offense that ranked first in the NFL in rushing yards per game (153.6), rushing yards (5,224) and rushing touchdowns (57) over that time frame.
Prior to Philadelphia, Steichen spent seven seasons (2014-20) with the Los Angeles/San Diego Chargers, where he served as offensive coordinator (2020), interim offensive coordinator (2019), quarterbacks coach (2016-19) and offensive quality control/wide receivers (2014-15). The Chargers offense finished in the top 10 in passing yards per game in each of his seven years on the offensive staff, including the league's best in 2017.
In 2013, Steichen assisted the quarterbacks as an offensive quality control coach with the Cleveland Browns. Despite multiple injuries at the position, the Browns had three starting quarterbacks - Jason Campbell, Brian Hoyer and Brandon Weeden - each post 300-yard passing performances for the first time in franchise history.
Steichen began his NFL career as a defensive assistant with the Chargers (2011-12) after spending one season as a full-time offensive assistant at Louisville (2010). He also served as an offensive graduate assistant (2008-09) and student graduate assistant (2007) at his alma mater, the University of Nevada, Las Vegas (UNLV).
As a four-year letterman (2003-06) at quarterback for the Rebels, Steichen left as the school's 12th all-time leading passer with 2,755 yards and 22 touchdowns. He also registered 399 rushing yards and five touchdowns.
A native of Sacramento, California, Steichen earned his degree in journalism and media studies from UNLV. He attended Oak Ridge High School in El Dorado Hills, California, and earned area MVP honors from the Sacramento Bee after leading his squad to a conference sectional title in 2002.
Steichen and his wife, Nina, have a son, Hudson, and a daughter, Stella.
Millions raised for scholarships
Since its inception, the Scholarship Gala has raised millions for Trine University student scholarships, including more than $1 million each of the last four years. Scholarship funds are a critical part of allowing students to attend Trine, which awarded more than $46 million in institutional aid in 2024-25.
The university will offer the opportunity to fund $500 Books and Beyond Scholarships during the Gala. Contributions to the Books and Beyond Scholarship program go directly to financially disadvantaged students, allowing them to purchase needed books, computers, school and lab supplies, and meals. Funds also help students pay modest account balances that will allow them to register next semester for classes.
Trine board chair and alumnus Dr. Rick L. James and his wife, Dr. Vicki L. James, and The James Foundation, Inc., as they have for a number of years, are offering a matching grant for Books and Beyond scholarships. This year they will match $300,000.
Sponsorship packages and tickets are available through Feb. 8. To reserve tickets ($150 each), donate an auction item or get sponsorship details, visit trine.edu/gala or call 665-4114.
For more information on the 2026 Trine Scholarship Gala, contact Michael Pacer, director of alumni engagement and donor stewardship, at mjpacer21@trine.edu, or April Schaffter, administrative assistant, University Advancement, at schafftera@trine.edu, or call (260) 665-4114.
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