The team announced its decision to leave Ballard early Monday morning. The Colts opted to retain Ballard for a 10th season earlier this offseason despite a monumental collapse in the second half of last season that saw the team finish 8-9 after getting off to an 8-2 start. Ballard was hired as the Colts’ general manager in 2017 and left with just two playoff berths and no division titles under his belt. Andrew Luck’s abrupt retirement before the start of the 2018 season presented an early challenge for Ballard to suddenly find a new QB, which often resulted in short-term answers to solve a long-term problem. After Philip Rivers, Matt Ryan and Carson Wentz passed through the organization, the Colts ultimately selected Anthony Richardson in the first round of the 2023 NFL Draft in hopes of landing their guy. When it became clear that Richardson wasn’t the answer, the team signed Daniel Jones, who had a solid 2025 campaign and was rewarded with a two-year, $88 million contract earlier this offseason. Among Ballard’s multiple missteps during his tenure with the Colts was the trade for cornerback Sauce Gardner, who he acquired in exchange for the team’s first-round picks in 2026 and 2027. Few general managers get the leash Ballard received from the Colts, but it seemed like a move that was destined to happen now or at the end of the season. Now the Colts can get a head start on their next general manager search in what is shaping up to be another difficult season. The team announced that head coach Shane Steichen will remain in his role for the time being.
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