# Colts Fire GM After Decade of Struggles

> Indianapolis Colts fired GM Chris Ballard after 10 years of playoff failures.
- Title: Colts Fire GM After Decade of Struggles | Shortify
- Summary: Indianapolis Colts fired GM Chris Ballard after 10 years of playoff failures. indianapolis colts, chris ballard, nfl · reported by Indianapolis Colts On SI.
- Keywords: indianapolis colts, chris ballard, nfl, general manager, playoff failures, quarterback, sports, Colts, Fire, Decade, Struggles, Indianapolis Colts On SI
- Source: Indianapolis Colts On SI — https://si.com/nfl/colts/onsi/the-colts-were-right-to-fire-chris-ballard
- Published: 2026-10-19T15:37:13+00:00
- Read time: 1 min
- Topics: indianapolis colts, chris ballard, nfl, general manager, playoff failures, quarterback, sports
## 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.
## Key takeaway

Indianapolis Colts fired GM Chris Ballard after 10 years of playoff failures.