Indianapolis Colts owner Carlie Irsay-Gordon promised changes to her team's leadership structure if results were not different after back-to-back 8-9 seasons.
That has now happened six games into the 2026 campaign, as general manager Chris Ballard was fired Monday, Oct. 19.
"Our standard is to compete for championships," Irsay-Gordon said in a statement announcing the move, "and I believe a change in leadership is necessary to meet that standard."
Statement from Colts on Chris Ballard being out as GM: pic.twitter.com/wFJzmkpvuQ
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) October 19, 2026
The final straw for the regime was a 26-20 home loss to the previously winless Tennessee Titans. The defeat dropped the Colts to 2-4.
Ballard has been the general manager since 2017 and was dealt the sudden retirement of Andrew
Luck before the 2019 season. The team made a pair of playoff appearances during his tenure but had not returned to the postseason since 2020.
The Colts started 8-2 in 2025 but lost their final seven games of the year to finish below .500. A late-season injury to quarterback Daniel Jones, who tore his Achilles, was a low point of the losing streak as their playoff chances dissipated.
"You're right to be frustrated with how the latter part of our season went," Irsay-Gordon said during a January news conference. "I'm pissed. We are all pissed.
"We have been very clear with (Ballard and Steichen), but giving them another opportunity means that the sense of urgency for them to deliver and perform has never been higher."
The Colts entered Week 6 with the 23rd-ranked passing offense in the league. The team's defense, in coordinator Lou Anarumo's scheme for a second season, was the true downfall of the team, however, and entered Week 6 ranked 27th.
This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Colts fire general manager in first major leadership move of NFL season
