The Indianapolis Colts have dismissed general manager Chris Ballard six games into the 2026 NFL season, ending a nearly decade-long tenure marked by unfulfilled expectations and persistent struggles to build a championship contender. Ballard, who was hired in January 2017 with the promise of reshaping the franchise around then-star quarterback Andrew Luck, leaves behind a record that includes just two playoff appearances, one playoff win, and no AFC South division titles during his time in charge.
Ballard’s arrival initially sparked optimism for the Colts’ future. Following a difficult stretch marred by injuries and underperformance, the team showed signs of promise in 2018, winning 10 of 11 games and advancing to the playoffs. Under his leadership, rookie offensive lineman Quenton Nelson and linebacker Shaquille Leonard became the first rookie pair to earn first-team All-Pro honors in more than five decades, earning Ballard executive of the year accolades. Moreover, Ballard stabilized the coaching situation after a brief Josh McDaniels episode by hiring Frank Reich, who led the Colts to a playoff victory in 2018.
However, the momentum quickly stalled. The sudden retirement of Andrew Luck in 2019, eight months after that playoff triumph, was initially seen as a major setback but not the primary cause of Ballard’s ultimate failure. Despite abundant opportunities provided by owners Jim Irsay and later Carlie Irsay-Gordon, Ballard was unable to construct a roster that could consistently compete. The Colts never secured an AFC South title after 2014, and the franchise has experienced a steady decline in fan engagement, with frustration morphing into apathy.
A key weakness during Ballard’s tenure was the inability to find a long-term successor to Luck at quarterback. Although Ballard had acknowledged the necessity of investing in the position, the Colts delayed making a clear commitment. The selection of Anthony Richardson in 2023, after just one preseason game, was a contentious and ultimately regretted decision. The team’s performance suffered, highlighted by multiple late-season collapses and an extended stretch of losing records. Veteran players such as DeForest Buckner expressed frustration with repeated patterns of underachievement, noting the team’s failure to reach meaningful late-season contests.
Ballard’s roster-building philosophy, which emphasized drafting defensive front players and limiting free agency moves, did not yield the desired results. Despite drafting eight edge rushers in early rounds over several years, none developed into the impact players the team needed. Additionally, the reluctance to aggressively pursue free agents contributed to insufficient roster depth and competition. While Ballard admitted to these shortcomings, even making bold moves late in his tenure—including trading two first-round picks for cornerback Sauce Gardner—the team’s fortunes did not improve and have worsened since a 7-2 start to the 2026 season.
The extended struggles under Ballard have dulled the Colts’ once vibrant fanbase, known for its passionate support during the Peyton Manning era and subsequent playoff runs. The franchise’s recent Ring of Honor inductions, including that of kicker Adam Vinatieri this year, have served as reminders of past glory amid a current climate of disappointment. Ballard’s decade at the helm initially raised hopes of restoring the Colts to prominence, but his failure to assemble a consistent contender has left the team with a damaged culture, waning enthusiasm, and a pressing need to redefine its path forward.