Colts GM Chris Ballard Faces Last Chance to Prove His Approach

Despite years of disappointment, Ballard plans to stick to his game plan for a pivotal 2026 season.

Mar. 31, 2026 at 4:24pm

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A fragmented, cubist-style painting depicting a football game or match, with sharp geometric shapes in navy, green, and orange overlapping to create a dynamic, abstract visual representation of the sport.Ballard's steadfast approach faces its biggest test yet as the Colts look to end their playoff drought.Indianapolis Today

Indianapolis Colts general manager Chris Ballard is entering the final year of his contract and under immense pressure to deliver results after a lackluster 62-69-1 record over his nine seasons with the team. Despite calls to change his approach, Ballard says he will not alter his strategy, believing it is in the long-term best interest of the franchise.

Why it matters

Ballard's unwavering commitment to his methods has drawn criticism from Colts fans and media, who are frustrated by the team's lack of sustained success during his tenure. With the Colts teetering on the verge of a freefall, Ballard's refusal to adapt could cost him his job if the team fails to make the playoffs and win the AFC South in 2026.

The details

Ballard joined the Colts as general manager in 2017 and has compiled a 62-69-1 record, with just two playoff appearances, one postseason victory, and no divisional titles. Despite the team's struggles, Ballard says he won't change his approach, even with his job on the line. 'I wouldn't do that for the franchise. That's not the right thing for the organization. You try to make good, sound decisions that you think are in the long-term best interest of the franchise,' Ballard said.

  • Ballard became the Colts' general manager in 2017.
  • The Colts finished the 2025 season with an 8-9 record after a 8-2 start.
  • Colts owner Carlie Irsay-Gordon announced that Ballard and head coach Shane Steichen would return for the 2026 season, but said the 'sense of urgency for them to deliver and perform has never been higher.'

The players

Chris Ballard

The Indianapolis Colts' general manager since 2017, who has compiled a 62-69-1 record over his nine seasons with the team.

Carlie Irsay-Gordon

The CEO of the Indianapolis Colts, who has given Ballard and head coach Shane Steichen one more chance to deliver results in 2026.

Daniel Jones

The Colts' starting quarterback in 2025, who had a promising start to the season before suffering a season-ending injury.

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What they’re saying

“I don't make decisions based on my job. I wouldn't do that for the franchise. That's not the right thing for the organization. You try to make good, sound decisions that you think are in the long-term best interest of the franchise.”

— Chris Ballard, Indianapolis Colts General Manager

“Giving them another opportunity means that the sense of urgency for them to deliver and perform has never been higher.”

— Carlie Irsay-Gordon, Indianapolis Colts CEO

What’s next

The Colts will need to have a successful 2026 NFL Draft to bolster their roster and give Ballard and Steichen the best chance to turn the team around and save their jobs.

The takeaway

Ballard's unwavering commitment to his long-term strategy has drawn criticism, but he believes it is the right approach for the franchise. However, with his job on the line, he may need to be more flexible and adapt his approach if the Colts are to avoid a freefall and return to the playoffs in 2026.