Sports · October 19, 2026
Colts announce firing of general manager Chris Ballard after shocking loss to Titans
The Indianapolis Colts have fired general manager Chris Ballard following a 20-26 loss to the Tennessee Titans, ending his nearly 10-year tenure with the organization. The decision was announced by co-owner Carlie Irsay-Gordon, who cited a high sense of urgency and the need for new leadership to meet the franchise's championship standards. Ballard, who had served as GM since 2017, leaves after a 2-4 start to the 2026 season. Under his leadership, the team struggled to find a long-term successor to quarterback Andrew Luck and is currently in the midst of a multi-year playoff drought.
Read the original coverage
- Yahoo SportsSports network
Colts announce firing of general manager Chris Ballard after shocking loss to Titans
Read at Yahoo Sports ↗ - ESPNSports network
Colts fire GM Ballard after home loss to Titans, cite 'necessary' change
Read at ESPN ↗ - CBS SportsSports network
Colts fire GM Chris Ballard as pressure mounts on Shane Steichen, staff after back-to-back losses
Read at CBS Sports ↗ - NBC SportsSports network
Colts fire Ballard after nearly 10 years as GM
Read at NBC Sports ↗ - New York PostTabloid
Colts fire GM Chris Ballard after humiliating loss
Read at New York Post ↗
Reported by multiple outlets
- Chris Ballard was fired as Colts GM on Monday morning following a loss to the Titans.
- Ballard had served as the Colts general manager since 2017.
- The Colts started the 2026 season with a 2-4 record.
- Carlie Irsay-Gordon is now the top decision-maker for the franchise following Jim Irsay's death in May 2025.
- The Colts have struggled with quarterback stability since Andrew Luck's retirement in 2019.
Reported by only some outlets
- Ballard traded two first-round picks and Adonai Mitchell to the Jets for cornerback Sauce Gardner in 2025.
- The Colts reached the playoffs only once (2020) since Luck's retirement.
- Ballard's career record with the Colts was 72-82-1.
- The Colts recently signed Daniel Jones to a two-year, $88 million extension.
- Former head coach Frank Reich was fired by Ballard midway through the 2022 season.
Confirmed
- Chris Ballard was fired as GM on October 19, 2026.
- Carlie Irsay-Gordon issued a statement regarding a 'sense of urgency' and championship standards.
- The Colts are currently 2-4 and lost to the winless Titans 26-20.
- Ballard was hired in 2017.
Reported
- Ballard was the only GM in the AFC South to not win the division during his tenure. (CBS Sports)
- The Colts have the third-longest active playoff drought in the NFL. (CBS Sports)
Rumor
- Shane Steichen is firmly on the hot seat following Ballard's firing. (New York Post)
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