Despite ongoing external debate regarding the appropriateness of an owner listening to live play-calling and strategic discussions, team sources indicate that the practice is not expected to change. Irsay-Gordon has long maintained that her proximity to the action is essential for her development as an owner, allowing her to better grasp the complexities of the game and ask more probing questions during her weekly meetings with head coach
A Hands-On Approach to Ownership
Irsay-Gordon has previously described the football team as a complex organism, noting that listening to headset transmissions helps her decipher the rationale behind specific strategic decisions. By gaining this insight, she believes she is better equipped to evaluate the performance of her staff and ensure the organization is operating at a high level. This commitment to understanding the team's inner workings also played a significant role during the 2023 coaching search that resulted in the hiring of Steichen.
While the practice was initially met with some surprise by previous coaching staffs, it has since become a normalized aspect of the Colts' environment. Former head coach Frank Reich was instrumental in encouraging Irsay-Gordon to adopt the headset habit as a learning tool, which helped ease potential tensions. Today, staff members emphasize that she is not an active participant in the coaching process. She uses a device that allows her to listen to transmissions without the ability to speak back, and she typically remains positioned away from the primary center of activity on the sideline.
Integration Within the Organization
Beyond her game-day routine, Irsay-Gordon is a constant presence at the Colts' headquarters, where she works closely with front-office executives and coaching staff throughout the week. Her management style has earned her acceptance within the building, where she is known simply as Carlie to both high-level personnel and support staff. She remains highly conscious of her impact on the team, frequently checking in with players and coaches to ensure her presence does not serve as a distraction.
Reflecting on the public discourse surrounding her role, Irsay-Gordon noted that the players themselves have expressed confusion over the scrutiny, as her presence has been a consistent feature of the team for years. As the Colts prepare for their upcoming matchup against the Pittsburgh Steelers, Irsay-Gordon intends to continue her routine, driven by a desire to keep learning and supporting the team's leadership effectively.
