Peyton Manning a favorite candidate for Colts’ GM job

The Indianapolis Colts fired general manager Chris Ballard on Monday, one day after blowing a 13-0 halftime lead in a 26-20 loss at Lucas Oil Stadium to the previously winless Tennessee Titans. The move came after a 2-4 start to Ballard’s 10th season.

Ballard, 57, had held the job since January 2017, signed a five-year extension in 2021 and led Indianapolis to two playoff appearances, in 2018 and 2020. Owner and CEO Carlie Irsay-Gordon said “a change in leadership is necessary” to meet the franchise’s standard of competing for championships. A familiar name from the franchise’s past has already entered the conversation.

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Colts explore Peyton Manning for general manager job

The Colts are considering Peyton Manning for the general manager vacancy, according to Dan Patrick on The Dan Patrick Show.

Indianapolis is exploring whether Manning would be interested in the job and a potential ownership stake down the line.

“The Colts’ first call will be/has been to Peyton Manning.” — DP shares what his source has told him. pic.twitter.com/MgTbuJIxhW

— Dan Patrick Show (@dpshow) October 19, 2026

Before his retirement, Manning spent 14 seasons with the Colts, throwing for 54,828 yards and 399 touchdowns and winning Super Bowl XLI before Indianapolis released him in 2012.

Irsay-Gordon called the in-season timing deliberate and said the Colts will conduct a thorough search, taking the time necessary to find the right leader.

Has Peyton Manning turned down the Colts’ GM job before?

He has. Then-owner Jim Irsay said in 2019 that he and Manning came close to an agreement on a president or general manager role before the 2017 season. Manning ultimately passed.

Assistant general manager Ed Dodds, who joined the Colts in 2017, also remains with the team and has interviewed for GM jobs elsewhere.

Indianapolis visits the Minnesota Vikings on Sunday, Oct. 25, at 1 p.m. ET on CBS. Head coach Shane Steichen will lead the team without the GM who hired him, and Irsay-Gordon said the firing does not change the Colts’ goals for the season.

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