INDIANAPOLIS — The ten-year tenure of Indianapolis Colts general manager Chris Ballard came to an abrupt end Monday morning when principal owner Carlie Irsay-Gordon relieved him of his duties.
The decision follows an embarrassing 26-20 home loss to the previously winless Tennessee Titans on Sunday at Lucas Oil Stadium. As the Colts faltered, fans at the stadium voiced their frustration with loud boos and chants calling for Ballard’s dismissal.
“I am grateful to Chris for his years of service to the Colts and for everything he poured into this organization,” Irsay-Gordon said in an official statement. “Our standard is to compete for championships, and I believe a change in leadership is necessary to meet that standard. Making this change during the season was a deliberate decision. Waiting would only delay the important work that needs to begin now.”
Ballard, who took over in 2017, leaves behind a 73-84-1 overall record. During his decade at the helm, Indianapolis reached the postseason only twice—in 2018 and 2020—winning just a single playoff game and failing to capture an AFC South title.
Despite drafting prominent talent like All-Pro guard Quenton Nelson, linebacker Shaq Leonard, and running back Jonathan Taylor, Ballard’s run was hampered by ongoing struggles to secure a long-term franchise quarterback following Andrew Luck’s sudden 2019 retirement, as well as a persistent inability to solidify the edge rusher position.
The franchise announced that a thorough search for its next general manager will begin immediately, though no interim successor was named. Assistant general manager Ed Dodds remains on staff.
