The Indianapolis Colts fired general manager Chris Ballard on Monday after the team's record fell to 2-4 following Sunday's 26-20 loss to the Tennessee Titans.
"I am grateful to Chris for his years of service to the Colts and for everything he poured into this organization," Colts owner and CEO Carlie Irsay-Gordon said in a statement.
Irsay-Gordon added: "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."
Assistant GM Ed Dodds will guide the Colts' personnel department for the rest of the season, sources told The Ringer's Tom Pelissero. Dodds has been a candidate for several GM openings in the past few years.
Ballard was in the final year of his contract following a tumultuous 2025 campaign. Indianapolis started 8-2 and then collapsed, finishing with an 8-9 record and missing the playoffs.
The Colts made two playoff appearances and earned one postseason win during Ballard's tenure. The Colts own a 72-82-1 record since hiring Ballard prior to the 2017 season.
Indianapolis has missed the postseason for five consecutive years. The Colts have struggled to find a franchise quarterback since Andrew Luck retired in 2019.
Irsay-Gordon said that waiting until the end of the season to dismiss Ballard would "delay the important work that needs to begin now."
Head coach Shane Steichen remains on the hot seat. The 41-year-old is in his fourth season with Indianapolis and has compiled a 27-30 record with the franchise. Steichen and the team's football staff, outside of personnel, will report directly to ownership, sources told Pelissero.
