Colts announce firing of general manager Chris Ballard after loss to Titans, DeForest Buckner criticism

October 19, 2026

The Indianapolis Colts fired general manager Chris Ballard on Monday, October 19, 2026, following a 26-20 loss to the Tennessee Titans in Week 6. The move ends Ballard’s tenure after nine seasons, during which the Colts made the playoffs twice in his first four years but have not returned since 2020.

The decision came after the team’s record dropped to 1-5. Ballard’s dismissal was announced by owner Carlie Irsay-Gordon, who acknowledged the urgency of the situation while expressing gratitude for his service.

The Colts’ loss to the Titans—who were 0-5 before the game—exposed persistent struggles. The defeat, combined with the team’s 1-5 record, triggered the immediate overhaul. The Titans’ victory over the Colts marked their first win of the season, further highlighting the Colts’ challenges.

Player Reaction

DeForest Buckner, a key figure in the Colts’ defense, voiced frustration following the loss, stating, *‘I’m sick and tired of the same song and dance every year.’* He added, *‘We lost to the Tennessee Titans, who were 0-5, and now they’re 1-5,’* underscoring the team’s inability to secure wins against opponents with losing records. Despite the criticism, Buckner reaffirmed confidence in the organization, saying, *‘I have confidence in everybody in this building,’* while urging self-evaluation among players: *‘Every single person on the team needs to be critics of themselves and figure out what we need to do better.’*

Carlie Irsay-Gordon’s statement emphasized the need for immediate improvement, declaring, *‘the sense of urgency has never been higher.’* She also set clear expectations for the future, stating, *‘We have a lot of football in front of us, and I expect us to compete, improve, and win football games.’* The firing does not impact head coach Shane Steichen, who remains in his role as the Colts shift focus to rebuilding momentum.

This report also draws on coverage from Pro Football Talk.