Overview
- The Colts relieved Chris Ballard of his duties Monday, one day after a 26-20 home loss to the previously winless Tennessee Titans that left Indianapolis 2-4 on the season.
- Owner and CEO Carlie Irsay-Gordon thanked Ballard for his service and said the team will conduct a thorough search for a successor while keeping season goals unchanged.
- Ballard leaves after roughly a decade in Indianapolis with a 72-82-1 record, two playoff appearances, one postseason win and no division titles, and coverage cited repeated roster mistakes and missed draft opportunities as key reasons for the change.
- Head coach Shane Steichen remains on the job for now but his job is described as uncertain, and media reports already list internal option Ed Dodds plus several NFL front-office executives as possible GM candidates.
- The firing follows clear public frustration from fans and players, including boos and a public complaint from captain DeForest Buckner, and it could prompt the next GM to make near-term roster or coaching changes ahead of the trade deadline.