The Indianapolis Colts have fired general manager Chris Ballard, one day after chants of "Fire Ballard" echoed through Lucas Oil Stadium during a loss to the previously winless Tennessee Titans. Ballard, in his 10th season leading the Colts, was fired Monday morning, one day after his team wasted a 13-point halftime lead before losing to Tennessee.
Assistant general manager Ed Dodds will oversee the personnel department for the remainder of the season, while coach Shane Steichen and his coaching staff will report to ownership. Ballard, in the final year of his contract, was in a make-or-break season after a seven-game losing streak in 2025 derailed the team's 8-2 start. The Colts now sit at 2-4, on a trajectory that strongly suggests the team will not produce the results ownership expected.
Owner Carlie Irsay-Gordon released a statement saying Ballard had "poured everything into this organization," but added that "I believe a change in leadership is necessary to meet that standard." The decision was made during the season so the search for a new general manager could begin now. Steichen, meanwhile, said the team has "got to give them something to cheer about."
Ballard ends his tenure with a 72-82-1 record and just two playoff appearances, in 2018 and 2020, yielding a single playoff victory. The Colts never won the AFC South during his stint. His time in Indianapolis will also be remembered for the quarterback carousel, with 14 different starters under his watch, tied for the third-most in the NFL over that span, according to ESPN Research. The team's decision to retain Daniel Jones on a two-year, $88 million contract is looking worse by the day.
Source: ESPN NFL · Summarized by HeadlinesBriefing