Indianapolis Colts fire GM Chris Ballard after 10 seasons and 2-4 start
The Indianapolis Colts have dismissed general manager Chris Ballard following a 2-4 start to the 2026 season, including a loss to the previously winless Tennessee Titans. Owner Carlie Irsay-Gordon, who had retained Ballard after a seven-game losing streak to close the prior year, said a change in leadership was necessary to meet the franchise's championship standard and that waiting until the end of the season would only delay needed work. Ballard's tenure spanned 10 seasons, producing a 72-82-1 regular-season record, a 1-2 postseason mark, and five consecutive years without a playoff appearance. Among the decisions that drew criticism were a trade of two first-round picks and a wide receiver for cornerback Sauce Gardner, which according to the report did not benefit the Colts, and a two-year, $88 million extension for quarterback Daniel Jones despite Jones having torn his Achilles the previous season.
Making the change during the season was a deliberate decision," Irsay-Gordon said.
Why it matters
For brands: Teams and agents negotiating with front-office executives can note that ownership set and enforced explicit performance expectations tied to contract renewals.
For coaches: Head coach Shane Steichen now faces heightened scrutiny as the remaining leader of a franchise that has shown willingness to make mid-season personnel changes.
Read the full story at CBS Sports
Sources
- CBS Sports · Carter Bahns: Colts fire GM Chris Ballard as pressure mounts on Shane Steichen, staff after back-to-back losses
- The Athletic: Colts fire Chris Ballard, ending his 10-year tenure as general manager
- Defector · Ray Ratto: Sometimes A Team Just Wants To Hire A Famous Guy