From mint · Aachal Maniyar · · 50s
Chris Ballard Firing After Colts' QB Struggles
Chris Ballard fired after Colts' QB Daniel Jones struggles with $88m contract.
In brief
Chris Ballard fired after Colts' QB Daniel Jones struggles with $88m contract. Chris Ballard was fired by Indianapolis Colts after failing to rebuild post-Andrew Luck, leading to Daniel Jones' $88m contract and a costly reset. Originally reported by mint.
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”
The short version
Chris Ballard was fired by Indianapolis Colts after failing to rebuild post-Andrew Luck, leading to Daniel Jones' $88m contract and a costly reset.
