- May 21, 2026
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SportsMafia Wire graphic. Team logos and player headshots via ESPN.
The Indianapolis Colts fired general manager Chris Ballard on Monday, one day after blowing a 13-point halftime lead to the previously winless Tennessee Titans at Lucas Oil Stadium.
Ballard exits in his 10th season with a 72-82-1 record. The Colts made only two playoff appearances under his leadership, winning a single postseason game and never capturing the AFC South.
Owner Carlie Irsay-Gordon called the midseason move "deliberate," stating that "a change in leadership is necessary" for the franchise to meet its championship standard. Assistant GM Ed Dodds will run personnel for the remainder of the season, while coach Shane Steichen now reports directly to ownership.
The Colts' 2-4 start follows a brutal 2025 collapse from 8-2 to a losing record, making them the first team ever to finish below .500 after being six games over. The franchise is now mired in its longest playoff drought since 1988-94.
Ballard's tenure was marked by constant quarterback turnover, with 14 different starters since Andrew Luck's 2019 retirement. His offseason decision to commit $88 million to Daniel Jones and the costly Sauce Gardner trade have drawn increasing criticism.
Mickey's Angle: The Colts are in full evaluation mode, and Steichen should be looking over his shoulder too. This roster has talent but no direction, making them a risky bet until the front office situation stabilizes.
Source: ESPN (also reported by CBS Sports) - written by Mickey the Mouth from the original report.