Following the news that the Indianapolis Colts were firing GM Chris Ballard, Shane Steichen addressed the move while speaking with local media members on Monday.
“He worked tirelessly for this organization, for this city," Steichen said of Ballard, via The Athletic's James Boyd. "And it’s the s----- part of the business. I don’t think it falls completely on Chris. I’m the head football coach. It takes all of us. Coaches, scouts, everybody, and we gotta put our best foot forward moving forward and get ready for the Minnesota Vikings. But a ton of respect for Chris, the human, the person, and how much he cared for his organization, the players, and the city as well."
#Colts HC Shane Steichen on GM Chris Ballard: “He worked tirelessly for this organization,
this city. And it’s the shitty part of the business. I don’t think it completely falls on Chris. I’m the head football coach. It takes all of us. Coaches, scouts, everybody. …” pic.twitter.com/IVAdDGWnXi
— James Boyd (@RomeovilleKid) October 19, 2026
The Colts blowing a second-half lead to the Tennessee Titans was the final straw for owner Carlie Irsay-Gordon, but moving on from Ballard was a long time in the making.
During his nine-year tenure as GM, the Colts have just two playoff appearances -- with the last coming in 2020 -- one playoff win, and no AFC South titles.
Irsay-Gordon reiterated that despite moving on from Ballard, the Colts' goals for the 2026 season remain the same. That said, this could be the first of many changes coming to the organization.
Steichen will have to find a way to save this season. The Colts are currently 2-4, and the upcoming schedule doesn't get any easier with matchups against the 5-0 Vikings and the 4-2 Jaguars.
If things continue to sprial, Steichen's job could be next.
This article originally appeared on Colts Wire: Shane Steichen addresses Colts firing GM Chris Ballard
