The Indianapolis Colts have made a major change to the executive team after struggling to start the 2026 season. The team has fired General Manager Chris Ballard.
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The AFC South team announced the news on Monday, one day after losing 26-20 to the previously winless Tennessee Titans. This loss dropped the Colts to 2-4.
"I am grateful to Chris for his years of service to the Colts and for everything he poured into this organization," Colts Owner & CEO Carlie Irsay-Gordon said in a statement. "He cared deeply about our team and our community, and we wish Chris and his family all the best.
"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 the season. We have a lot of football in front of us, and I expect us to compete, improve, and win football games."
The Colts did not name the interim general manager who will lead the team for the rest of the 2026 season.
Ballard took over as GM of the Colts ahead of the 2017 season while replacing Ryan Grigson. The team has posted a win-loss record of 72-82-1 in his tenure lasting just over nine years while only reaching the playoffs twice.
The Colts reached the divisional round of the playoffs during the 2018 season. The team defeated the rival Texans in the wild-card round but lost to the Chiefs in the divisional round.
The only other playoff appearance occurred in the 2020 season. The Colts reached the wild-card round but lost to the Bills.
