INDIANAPOLIS COLTS FIRE GENERAL MANAGER CHRIS BALLARD

The Indianapolis Colts have fired general manager Chris Ballard after Sunday’s loss to the Tennessee Titans, owner Carlie Irsay-Gordon announced. The defeat left the Colts with a 1-5 record this season. Irsay-Gordon said, “Our standard is to compete for championships, and I believe a change in leadership is necessary to meet that standard.” She said she made the change during the season because waiting would delay work on the club’s future. Head coach Shane Steichen remains in his job.

Ballard had held the general manager post since 2017. Indianapolis reached the playoffs twice during his first four seasons in charge. The Colts have not returned to the playoffs since 2020. The team used a number of different quarterbacks during that period. Irsay-Gordon had said during the offseason that the Colts needed to improve.

Irsay-Gordon said the Colts would conduct a thorough search for Ballard’s successor and take the time needed to identify their next general manager. She thanked Ballard for his years of service and said he cared deeply about the team and its community. She said the dismissal would not change the club’s goals for the rest of the season. Irsay-Gordon said she expected the Colts to compete, improve and win football games.