Colts dismiss GM Chris Ballard following loss to Titans

The Indianapolis Colts announced the dismissal of general manager Chris Ballard after the team’s Week 6 loss to the Tennessee Titans. Sources familiar with the situation told Dan Patrick that the organization’s first outreach will be to former quarterback Peyton Manning to discuss possible candidates for the vacant GM role and to gauge Manning’s interest in a front-office position that could include an ownership stake. Manning has not held a football executive role since retiring in 2015.

The move comes as the Colts evaluate their roster, including the status of cornerback Sauce Gardner, who suffered a mild calf strain and is expected to miss at least the upcoming game against the Minnesota Vikings. Gardner has recorded 17 tackles and four pass breakups this season.

Other league news includes Broncos coach Sean Payton’s comments that quarterback Bo Nix will benefit from improvements to the offensive line and overall offensive efficiency, and Buccaneers head coach Todd Bowles indicating that the team is preparing for Jalon Daniels to start in Week 7 while continuing to assess Baker Mayfield’s recovery from a dislocated thumb.

"The first call will be/has been to Peyton Manning," a source cited by Dan Patrick said regarding the Colts’ GM search.

The Colts are expected to interview multiple candidates during the offseason as they look to fill the general manager position.