The Indianapolis Colts have fired general manager Chris Ballard following the team's disappointing start to the 2026 NFL season. Ballard was hired in 2017 and departs with a record of 72-82-1, having reached the playoffs just twice during his time in charge. The Colts were beaten 26-20 by the Tennessee Titans in Week Six to fall to 2-4, as they bid to reach the playoffs for the first time since 2020.
Colts owner Carlie Irsay-Gordon said in a statement: "I am grateful to Chris for his years of service to the Colts and for everything he poured into this organisation." She added that the sense of urgency has never been higher and that a change in leadership is necessary to meet the team's standard of competing for championships. The decision was made during the season, and the team will conduct a thorough search for its next general manager.
The Colts appeared on course to join the NFL's perennial contenders in 2018, when Andrew Luck flourished and Ballard delivered inspired draft picks in Quenton Nelson and Shaquille Leonard. A defining setback came in 2019, when Luck stunned the league with his retirement, plunging the franchise into quarterback uncertainty. The Colts cycled through Jacoby Brissett, Philip Rivers, Carson Wentz and Matt Ryan, while head coach Frank Reich was fired mid-way through the 2022 season.
Ballard used the No 4 overall pick on Anthony Richardson in 2023, but he failed to become a long-term answer. Daniel Jones revived his career with an 8-2 start in 2025 before injuries derailed the season. Jones was then handed a two-year $88m extension, but has struggled since returning from injury. Ultimately, the failure to find a quarterback after Luck has cost Ballard his job.
Source: Sky Sports Champions League · Summarized by HeadlinesBriefing