The Colts elected to retain head coach Shane Steichen and general manager Chris Ballard for 2026. The latter is notably on an expiring contract, however.
Ballard said in July he would not be working out an extension in advance of the current season. The longtime executive is in a lame-duck situation as a result, and owner Carlie Irsay-Gordon’s comments leading up to the campaign made it clear 2026 is a make-or-break year with respect to changes in the front office and on the sidelines. Further indications have emerged that Ballard is on shaky ground.
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Indianapolis’ performance over the coming months will be critical in determining Ballard’s future, Tony Pauline of Essentially Sports reports. The Colts collapsed late in the 2025 campaign, and things have not gone according to plan early this season. Sitting at 0-2, speculation about sweeping changes to the team could of course increase in the near future.
Ballard has been in place as Indianapolis’ GM since 2017. The team has posted a regular-season record of 70-80-1 over that span, while making the playoffs on two occasions. The Colts have managed one postseason victory under Ballard (eight years ago), and they have not topped the AFC South since 2014.
Finding a long-term replacement for Andrew Luck at the quarterback spot following his surprise retirement has proven to be a serious challenge for Ballard and Co. Several veteran stopgaps have been used along the way, while the Anthony Richardson selection has delivered underwhelming results to say the least. The No. 4 pick in 2023’s draft has started just 15 games to date and has largely struggled when on the field. Ballard’s Daniel Jones signing from last offseason paid off (given the former Giants draftee’s play when healthy) and a two-year, $88MM pact was worked out this spring to keep him in the fold.
Over the years, Ballard has largely emphasized retaining homegrown players over outside additions. That approach has shifted recently – as highlighted by aggressive moves like the Sauce Gardner trade – although the team’s new core has yet to deliver on expectations. As a result, one source who spoke to Pauline noted he feels there is “no way” Ballard and other key Colts decision-makers will remain in place by the start of next season. Whether or not that prediction rings true will make for a storyline to follow closely.
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