The Indianapolis Colts have fired GM Chris Ballard just a day after the team’s dismal defeat by the Tennessee Titans.
Ballard and coach Shane Steichen were already on thin ice going into the season after last year’s woeful meltdown saw them go from playoff contenders to out of the postseason entirely thanks to a seven-game losing streak.
Colts owner Carlie Irsay-Gordon told the duo in no uncertain terms in the offseason that results had to improve quickly if they were to keep their jobs. The Colts slipped to 2-4 with Sunday’s loss to the Titans and Irsay-Gordon acted decisively on Monday.
Her statement read: ‘I am grateful to Chris for his years of service to the Colts and for everything he poured into this organization. He cared deeply about our team and our community, and we wish Chris and his family all the best.
‘As I said at the start of the season, the sense of urgency has never been higher. 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. We will conduct a thorough search for our next general manager and take the time necessary to identify the right leader for the future of this organization.
The Indianapolis Colts have fired GM Chris Ballard just hours after the defeat by the Titans
The Colts slipped to 2-4 for the season and face an uphill task if they are to reach the playoffs
Coach Shane Steichen is also under huge pressure after being told he must improve results
‘I also want to be clear: this decision does not change our goals for the season. We have a lot of football in front of us, and I expect us to compete, improve, and win football games.’
Ballard was in his 10th season as GM of the Colts and had a 72-82-1 record during his tenure, including just one playoff win in 2018. The Colts haven’t made the postseason in five straight years and already face an uphill task to do so this time around.
Indy became the first team since the 1995 Oakland Raiders and just the sixth since the 1970 AFL-NFL merger to start 8-2 and not make the postseason last year.
That prompted calls from furious fans for Irsay-Gordon, who took over day-to-day operations from her late father, Jim, to fire both Ballard and Steichen.
‘We have been very clear with Chris and Shane that giving them another opportunity means that the sense of urgency for them to deliver and perform has never been higher,’ Irsay-Gordon said back in January.
‘Chris and Shane are both capable of facing this challenge head on and finding a way to achieve the results our fans deserve, which is winning games, getting to the postseason and ultimately winning championships.’
Ballard doubled down on his existing Colts offense in the summer. He signed quarterback Daniel Jones to a two-year deal worth $88 million, wide receiver Alec Pierce to a four-year, $116 million deal and star running back Jonathan Taylor to a two-year, $44 million extension.
More to follow.
