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Why Colts fired Chris Ballard: Seven moves that contributed to GM's downfall

The Indianapolis Colts have dismissed general manager Chris Ballard after a decade at the helm, marking the end of a tenure defined by missed opportunities and underwhelming results. Ballard, the NFL’s longest-serving GM with a losing record, oversaw a franchise that failed to reach the playoffs in five consecutive seasons and compiled just 72 wins over his 10-year run.

His struggles became particularly pronounced after Andrew Luck’s retirement in 2019, as the Colts struggled to find a sustainable quarterback solution. Poor drafting decisions, one-sided trades, and a series of coaching missteps—including the botched hiring of Josh McDaniels in 2018—further eroded confidence in his leadership.

The shift in ownership dynamics, with Carlie Irsay-Gordon taking over after Jim Irsay’s passing in 2025, accelerated the pressure to deliver, ultimately leading to Ballard’s dismissal despite his lengthy tenure.

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