Why Did the Colts Fire Chris Ballard? What Happens Next

The Indianapolis Colts fired general manager Chris Ballard on Monday, October 19, after a 2-4 start, with owner and CEO Carlie Irsay-Gordon saying the franchise needed new leadership to meet its championship expectations.

The decision followed Sunday’s 26-20 home loss to the previously winless Tennessee Titans. Indianapolis led 13-0 at halftime before surrendering the lead amid turnovers and special-teams breakdowns.

Why did the Colts fire Chris Ballard?

“Our standard is to compete for championships,” Irsay-Gordon said in the team’s announcement, explaining that a leadership change was necessary.

Ballard’s tenure began in January 2017. Indianapolis went 72-82-1 in the regular season under him and reached the playoffs twice, following the 2018 and 2020 seasons.

The Colts retained Ballard and head coach Shane Steichen for 2026 after an 8-9 finish in 2025. That season had begun 8-2 before seven consecutive defeats.

In January, Irsay-Gordon acknowledged progress in Ballard’s approach to roster building but made clear that expectations would rise. Ballard acknowledged the need to improve roster depth and the team’s ability to finish.

Sunday’s defeat provided another setback, with Tennessee taking the lead on a blocked punt returned for a touchdown.

What happens next?

Irsay-Gordon said the Colts would undertake a thorough search for their next general manager, explaining that postponing the decision would delay the work required.

The announcement did not identify a successor or provide a hiring timetable. It also did not announce a head-coaching change.

Irsay-Gordon maintained that the team’s expectations for the remaining season had not changed. Indianapolis is still expected to improve and win while the organization chooses its next personnel leader.