After a Week 6 loss to the Tennessee Titans, the Indianapolis Colts dismissed general manager Chris Ballard on Oct. 19.
Coltsteam owner Carlie Irsay-Gordon said in a statement the move was necessary to meet the team's standard.
"I am grateful to Chris for his years of service to the Colts and for everything he poured into this organization. He cared deeply about our team and our community, and we wish Chris and his family all the best. As I said at the start of the season, the sense of urgency has never been higher. Our standard is to compete for championships, and I believe a change in leadership is necessary to meet that standard," according to the statement.
after Chris Ballard was fired
The move came after the Colts lost to the previously winless Titans 26-20, despite leading 13-0 at halftime. Indianapolis dropped to 2-4. The loss snapped Indianapolis' six-game winning streak over the Titans, which dated back to 2023.
The game also ended the Titans' 11-game losing streak against AFC South opponents.
Colts assistant general manager Ed Dodds will take over the personnel department for the remainder of the 2026 season. Coach Shane Steichen and his staff will report to ownership.
"Making this change during the season was a deliberate decision. Waiting would only delay the important work that needs to begin now," Irsay-Gordon’s statement said. "We will conduct a thorough search for our next general manager and take the time necessary to identify the right leader for the future of this organization. I also want to be clear: this decision does not change our goals for this season. We have a lot of football in front of us, and I expect us to compete, improve, and win football games."
Ballard was in his 10th season and in the final year of his contract. The trouble started before the loss to the Titans, who had a seven-game losing streak dating to 2025. The Colts started 6-2 in 2025 before going on a seven-game losing streak.
Ballard arrived in Indianapolis in 2017 and was faced with the early retirement of quarterback Andrew Luck in his tenure. Under Ballard the Colts were 72-82-1 and 1-2 in the playoffs.
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This article originally appeared on Nashville Tennessean: Indianapolis Colts fire GM Chris Ballard after loss to Titans
