# Chris Ballard Firing After Colts' QB Struggles

> Chris Ballard fired after Colts' QB Daniel Jones struggles with $88m contract.
- Title: Chris Ballard Firing After Colts' QB Struggles · mint
- Summary: Chris Ballard fired after Colts' QB Daniel Jones struggles with $88m contract. Chris Ballard was fired by Indianapolis Colts after failing to rebuild…
- Keywords: indianapolis colts, daniel jones, chris ballard, nfl, quarterback, contract, firing, news, india, Chris, Ballard, Colts'
- Source: mint — https://livemint.com/sports/news/from-matt-ryans-54-mn-to-daniel-jones-88-mn-deal-how-chris-ballards-costly-quarterback-bets-ended-in-his-firing-nfl-11792595319348.html
- Author: Aachal Maniyar
- Published: 2026-10-21T21:19:43+00:00
- Read time: 1 min
- Topics: indianapolis colts, daniel jones, chris ballard, nfl, quarterback, contract, firing, news, india
## Colts' QB Struggles
Daniel Jones completes 59.6 percent of passes after Achilles surgery.

> Daniel Jones is completing a career-low 59.6 percent of his passes in his return from Achilles surgery
## Ballard's Firing
Chris Ballard fired after 2-4 start in 2026 and seven-game collapse.

> Ballard was fired on Monday after a 2-4 start in 2026 and a seven-game collapse to end last season
## Contract Details
Daniel Jones signs two-year $88 million deal with Indianapolis Colts.

> Daniel Jones signs record-breaking 2-year, $88 million deal with Indianapolis Colts
## Ownership Shift
Irsay sisters now lead Colts after father's death.

> Carlie Irsay-Gordon, who now leads the franchise with her sisters after their father’s death
## Costly Reset
Colts face $35 million dead money on 2027 cap after Jones' contract.

> The Colts can void his two-year, $88 million contract after this season, but doing so would place roughly $35 million in dead money on the 2027 cap
## Failed Rebuild
Colts' post-Luck rebuild attempts led to 72-82-1 record with no division titles.

> The Colts finished his tenure 72-82-1 with no division titles, two playoff appearances, and one postseason win
## Next Steps
Colts may trade veterans at November 10 trade deadline.

> The Colts may move veterans such as guard Quenton Nelson and defensive tackle DeForest Buckner, both in the final year of their deals
## Key takeaway

Chris Ballard was fired by Indianapolis Colts after failing to rebuild post-Andrew Luck, leading to Daniel Jones' $88m contract and a costly reset.