Sports · American Football · 1 hr ago
Colts fire GM Chris Ballard after 2-4 start and back-to-back losses
The Indianapolis Colts fired general manager Chris Ballard on Monday after the team began the 2026 season 2-4 and lost two games in a row.
Ballard had led the team for 10 seasons, overseeing a 72-82-1 record and one playoff win.
The Colts have missed the playoffs for five straight years, and owner Carlie Irsay-Gordon said a leadership change was needed to meet the team's goal of competing for championships.
Coach Shane Steichen remains under pressure, though the team has not announced a decision about his future.
The firing also raises the possibility of major roster changes, with a new general manager expected to shape the team's direction.
Indianapolis says it will conduct a thorough search for Ballard's replacement and still expects the team to compete and improve this season.
The Indianapolis Colts fired general manager Chris Ballard after starting the season 2-4 and losing back-to-back games.
Owner Carlie Irsay-Gordon said the team needed a change in leadership to meet its championship standard.
Ballard had been in his 10th season as general manager and was in the final year of his contract.
The Colts said they would conduct a thorough search for a new general manager.
The move has raised questions about coach Shane Steichen’s future and possible roster changes.
- Who
- The Indianapolis Colts fired general manager Chris Ballard.
- What
- The team dismissed Ballard and said it would search for a new general manager.
- When
- Monday, October 19, 2026.
- Where
- Indianapolis, Indiana.
- Why
- The Colts had started the season 2-4 and lost back-to-back games. Owner Carlie Irsay-Gordon said a leadership change was necessary to meet the team’s standard.
This story does not have two clearly opposing sides.
The Colts introduced Chris Ballard as their general manager.
Owner Carlie Irsay-Gordon met with Ballard and coach Shane Steichen after a seven-game losing streak and gave them another year.
Colts fans chanted “Fire Ballard!” during a loss to the Tennessee Titans, according to ESPN.
The Colts fired Ballard after a 2-4 start and back-to-back losses.
- Season start
- 2-4
- Ballard’s tenure
- 10th season as Colts general manager
- Colts record under Ballard
- 72-82-1
- Postseason record
- CBS Sports reports 1-2; ESPN reports two playoff appearances and one playoff victory.
- Playoff drought
- Five consecutive years without a playoff appearance
3 sources
What people are saying
Our standard is to compete for championships, and I believe a change in leadership is necessary to meet that standard.
Making the change during the season was a deliberate decision.
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.
I really feel Chris is the best candidate for general manager that has come about so far in the 21st century.
Posts on X
We have relieved Chris Ballard of his duties as General Manager.