From Indianapolis Colts On SI · · 1m 40s
Colts Fire GM After Decade of Struggles
Indianapolis Colts fired GM Chris Ballard after 10 years of playoff failures.
In brief
Indianapolis Colts fired GM Chris Ballard after 10 years of playoff failures. Indianapolis Colts fired GM Chris Ballard after 10 years of playoff failures. Originally reported by Indianapolis Colts On SI.
Colts Fire GM
Indianapolis Colts fired general manager Chris Ballard after a decade of playoff failures.
2021 Collapse
Colts lost 26-11 to Jaguars in Week 18 after winning 11 games the previous year.
2022 Disaster
Colts finished 4-12-1 after trading for quarterback Matt Ryan.
Quarterback Struggles
Anthony Richardson's injury ended his rookie season after four starts.
Playoff Record
Ballard finished with 72-82-1 record and one playoff win.
Failed GM
Ballard is one of only two GMs to stay 10+ seasons with fewer than three playoff appearances.
2026 Problems
Colts fell to 2-4 in 2026 with no playoff appearances.
Next GM Challenges
New GM must fix roster issues and build sustainable contender.
Why Fire Now
Colts needed accountability after 2021 collapse and 2022 disaster.
The Numbers
Ballard's record: 72-82-1, two playoff appearances, one win.
Quarterback Issues
Richardson's injuries and development problems led to job loss to Joe Flacco.
2025 Struggles
Richardson's development issues continued into 2025.
2026 Outcome
Colts fell to 2-4 in 2:2026 with no playoff appearances.
GM's Legacy
Ballard never built a contender despite multiple opportunities.
Next Steps
Colts must find GM who can build sustainable contender.
The Decision
Indianapolis was right to fire Ballard after decade of failures.
The bottom line
Indianapolis Colts fired GM Chris Ballard after 10 years of playoff failures.
