From CBS Sports · · 2m
Colts fire GM after costly moves
Colts fire GM Chris Ballard after seven costly moves that failed to improve team performance.
In brief
Colts fire GM Chris Ballard after seven costly moves that failed to improve team performance. Indianapolis Colts fired GM Chris Ballard after seven moves that failed to improve team performance, resulting in five straight playoff misses. Originally reported by CBS Sports.
Colts fire GM Chris Ballard
Indianapolis Colts fired general manager Chris Ballard after 10 years in the role, ending a tenure marked by frustration and disappointment.
Ballard's losing record
Ballard led the Colts to 72-82-1 over 10 years, missing the playoffs each of the last five seasons despite being NFL's longest-tenured losing gm.
2018 Josh McDaniels hiring
Ballard hired Josh McDaniels as coach in 2018 but he backed out, leading to Frank Reich's interim role.
2021 Carson Wentz trade
Ballard traded for Carson Wentz in 2021, but he failed in Week 18 against Jacksonville, leading to his release.
2022 Matt Ryan trade
Ballard acquired Matt Ryan in 2022 for a $54 million guaranteed deal, but he was released after one season.
2023 Shane Steichen hiring
Ballard hired Shane Steichen as coach in 2023, but he has a 2-4 start to the 2026 season.
2023 Anthony Richardson draft
Ballard drafted Anthony Richardson with the No. 4 pick in 2023, but he struggled and was benched after five games.
2025 Sauce Gardner trade
Ballard traded for Sauce Gardner in 2025, but he underperformed, leading to the trade being a failure.
2026 Daniel Jones extension
Ballard signed Daniel Jones to a $88 million two-year deal in 2026, but he has struggled with interceptions and low completion rates.
Five playoff misses
The Colts missed the playoffs for five consecutive years under Ballard, ending his tenure with frustration.
Owner's role
Owner Jim Irsay remained committed to Ballard until his death in May 2025, but pressured him to deliver results.
Ballard's downfall
Ballard's downfall came from a string of poorly executed moves and on-field mediocrity over his 10-year tenure.
Consequence
The Colts now face a leadership vacuum as they search for a new GM to improve their playoff chances.
The bottom line
Indianapolis Colts fired GM Chris Ballard after seven moves that failed to improve team performance, resulting in five straight playoff misses.
