# Colts fire GM after costly moves

> Colts fire GM Chris Ballard after seven costly moves that failed to improve team performance.
- Title: Colts fire GM after costly moves · CBS Sports | Shortify
- Summary: Colts fire GM Chris Ballard after seven costly moves that failed to improve team performance. Indianapolis Colts fired GM Chris Ballard after seven moves…
- Keywords: indianapolis colts, chris ballard, general manager, nfl, quadrant, sauce gardner, daniel jones, matt ryan, carson wentz, shane steichen, anthony richardson, sports
- Source: CBS Sports — https://cbssports.com/nfl/news/why-colts-fired-chris-ballard-worst-gm-moves-sauce-gardner-trade
- Published: 2026-10-19T18:02:22+00:00
- Read time: 2 min
- Topics: indianapolis colts, chris ballard, general manager, nfl, quadrant, sauce gardner, daniel jones, matt ryan, carson wentz, shane steichen, anthony richardson, 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.
## Key takeaway

Indianapolis Colts fired GM Chris Ballard after seven moves that failed to improve team performance, resulting in five straight playoff misses.