The Indianapolis Colts suffered an upset defeat to the Tennessee Titans in Week Six to fall to 2-4 on the season as they look to end a six-year playoff drought; the Colts reached the playoffs just twice during Chris Ballard's time as General Manager
The Indianapolis Colts have fired general manager Chris Ballard following the team's disappointing start to the 2026 NFL season.
Ballard was hired as back in 2017 and departs with a record of 72-82-1 having reached the playoffs just twice during his time in charge.
The Colts were beaten 26-20 by the Tennessee Titans in Week Six to fall to 2-4 as they bid to reach the playoffs for the first time since 2020.
Ballard's only playoff win in Indianapolis came in the 2018-19 campaign when the Colts defeated the Houston Texans in the Wild Card round, before being eliminated by the Kansas City Chiefs the following week.
"I am grateful to Chris for his years of service to the Colts and for everything he poured into this organisation. He cared deeply about our team and our community, and we wish Chris and his family all the best," said Colts owner Carlie Irsay-Gordon in a statement.
"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 organisation.
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"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."
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