Story perspectives

Colts Fire GM Chris Ballard After 2–4 Start

By Drooid · Oct 19, 2026, 10:22 PM UTC · How we work

Summary

Irsay-Gordon Fires Ballard

Owner and CEO Carlie Irsay-Gordon fired GM Chris Ballard.
The move followed a 2-4 record after a 26-20 loss to the Tennessee Titans on Oct. 19, 2026.
Ballard had been GM since 2017 and was in the final year of his contract.
Assistant GM Ed Dodds will run the personnel department for the remainder of the season.
Head coach Shane Steichen remains on the job.

Summary

Colts Eye New GM

Colts ownership has identified external candidates to replace GM Chris Ballard.
Ray Agnew, Detroit Lions assistant GM, is being considered despite his 58-year-old age.
Tariq Ahmad, 49ers vice president of player personnel, emerged as a top prospect.
Forbes values the franchise at $8 billion, which could support a future ownership-stake offer.
Indianapolis could shop veteran players for draft capital before the Nov. 10 trade deadline.

History

Historical Context

In early 1984, frustrated by Baltimore’s stalled stadium plan and a looming eminent-domain bill, owner Robert Irsay accepted Indianapolis mayor William Hudnut’s offer of a $12.5 million loan and the new 57,980-seat Hoosier Dome. On the night of March 29, 1984, Mayflower trucks moved the Colts to Indianapolis, a move that reshaped the franchise’s market and set the stage for today’s ownership-driven roster decisions.

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Irsay-Gordon Fires Ballard

Owner and CEO Carlie Irsay-Gordon fired GM Chris Ballard.
The move followed a 2-4 record after a 26-20 loss to the Tennessee Titans on Oct. 19, 2026.
Ballard had been GM since 2017 and was in the final year of his contract.
Assistant GM Ed Dodds will run the personnel department for the remainder of the season.
Head coach Shane Steichen remains on the job.

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