Colts fire GM Chris Ballard amid 2-4 start and criticism from players

The Indianapolis Colts announced on Monday that general manager Chris Ballard has been relieved of his duties. Owner Carlie Irsay-Gordon said the franchise’s “standard is to compete for championships” and that a change in leadership is required to achieve that goal.

"I am grateful to Chris for his years of service to the Colts and for everything he poured into this organization. He cared deeply about our team and our community, and we wish Chris and his family all the best," Irsay-Gordon said.

"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 organization. I also want to be clear: this decision does not change our goals for this season. We have a lot of football in front of us, and I expect us to compete, improve, and win football games."

The move comes as the Colts sit at 2-4 after six weeks, including a loss to the previously winless Tennessee Titans in Week 6. Following that game, defensive end DeForest Buckner voiced frustration with the organization.

Ballard, who took over in 2017, oversaw both notable successes—such as drafting linebacker Shaquille Leonard and running back Jonathan Taylor—and high-profile setbacks, including the selection of quarterback Anthony Richardson, the hiring of Jeff Saturday as head coach, and a trade for cornerback Sauce Gardner that cost the team a first-round pick. The team also signed quarterback Daniel Jones to a two-year, $88 million extension ahead of the 2026 season; Jones has struggled this year, posting a career-low 59.6 % completion rate, four touchdowns and six interceptions.

The incoming general manager will need to decide Jones’s future and address the long-standing quarterback instability that has persisted since Andrew Luck’s retirement in 2019.