Why the Colts fired GM Chris Ballard mid-season, according to owner

It was fairly obvious that the Indianapolis Colts needed a change with the team starting out 2-4 — someone probably needed to be held accountable, as we wrote Monday morning. And after an awful loss to the Tennessee Titans, someone did lose their job.

It’s general manager Chris Ballard. Per a lengthy statement from owner and CEO Carlie Irsay-Gordon, he’s out. And why would the GM be out in the middle of the season, as opposed to waiting for the offseason for a fresh start?

Here’s what she said: “Making this change during the season was a deliberate decision. Waiting would only delay the important work that needs to be gin 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 #Colts have fired GM Chris Ballard. pic.twitter.com/xsvOQd6Xy3

Advertisement

— Mike Garafolo (@MikeGarafolo) October 19, 2026

There you have it.

Five straight seasons without a playoff appearance for the #Colts (and some work to do at 2-4 to avoid a sixth) results in ownership moving on from Chris Ballard as GM. https://t.co/0ILHLO90qt

— Mike Garafolo (@MikeGarafolo) October 19, 2026

That would be six years ago, in the 2020 season.

This article originally appeared on For The Win: Why the Colts fired GM Chris Ballard mid-season, according to owner