Colts Fire GM Chris Ballard, Calling It A ‘Necessary Change’

The Indianapolis Colts blew a 13-point lead on Sunday and lost 26-20 to the Tennessee Titans, who were winless before the comeback. The crowd chanted “fire Ballard” and booed, and the team listened.

GM Chris Ballard was in the final year of his contract before the team let him go after the game, and he needed something to go right this year to avoid that. The Colts haven’t made the playoffs since 2020, and haven’t reached double-digit wins either in the same span.

The Colts lost seven straight games last year to end the season after an 8-2 start. The downfall was solidified by QB Daniel Jones’ season-ending injury in Week 14. Jones was an early MVP contender with his quick start before slowing down as the losses began.

The organization has had to consider changes everywhere, and this is just the start if things don’t turn around. For now, the coaching staff hasn’t changed to match this. HC Shane Steichen will report to ownership while the owners look for a new general manager.

“I’m grateful for every day that I’m in this building, and I don’t take that for granted. And I’ve got to get these guys ready for the Vikings,” said the coach.

Steichen also said the responsibility doesn’t fall on Ballard alone, adding that he also has to be better. “It takes all of us.”

Owner Carlie Irsay-Gordon‘s ownership group released a statement that “our standard is to compete for championships, and I believe a change in leadership is necessary to meet that standard.”

The statement also included that they appreciated how much Ballard put into the organization.

The Colts fell to 2-4 with that loss to Tennessee, now behind the eight ball again, a theme that has repeated over the last decade.