The Indianapolis Colts capped off the 2024 season with a thrilling overtime victory against their AFC South rivals, the Jacksonville Jaguars, in Week 18.
However, the focus quickly shifted as fans anxiously awaited news about the futures of head coach Shane Steichen and general manager Chris Ballard. Owner Jim Irsay wasted little time, sharing his decision via his personal X account and the team’s social media platforms. The announcement, however, left much of the fan base dissatisfied.
Jim Irsay announced that the Colts will be firing Chris Ballard or Shane Steichen
Dear Colts Fans,
As the 2024 season comes to a close, I want to express my deep disappointment that we fell short of winning the AFC South and securing a playoff berth.
Here in Indianapolis, there’s a high standard for anyone who wears the horseshoe. Our goal is to win the division and compete for championships—not merely come close to making the playoffs. That standard remains unchanged, and I know you deserve nothing less.
I share your frustration and impatience. I understand the time, energy, and money you invest in this team year after year. More than anything, we want to repay that investment with division titles and playoff success. Falling short, especially in heartbreaking ways, is unacceptable.
That said, the NFL evolves rapidly, and I remain optimistic about this team’s ability to take the next step. After careful evaluation of our organization, I still believe in Chris Ballard, Shane Steichen, and our collective vision for 2025.
I realize many fans were hoping for immediate changes in leadership, and I know this decision may disappoint some. We recognize we have a lot to prove. Rest assured, we’re committed to earning your trust and making you proud to be Colts fans.
Sincerely,
Jim Irsay
Owner & CEO
In recent weeks, speculation swirled around whether the Colts might part ways with head coach Shane Steichen or general manager Chris Ballard. Despite a crushing Week 17 loss to the New York Giants that eliminated the team from playoff contention, Jim Irsay has opted to retain both leaders.
This decision means the Colts will head into the 2025 season with Chris Ballard entering his ninth year as general manager and Shane Steichen returning for his third year as head coach.
While fans are divided on Steichen’s future, there is growing consensus among the Colts faithful that Ballard’s time should be up. Many hoped this offseason would bring change at the GM position, but those wishes remain unfulfilled.
With Irsay’s announcement, the focus now shifts to 2025, as the trio of Ballard, Steichen, and quarterback Anthony Richardson appears to have one final chance to prove they’re capable of steering the franchise forward. Another disappointing season, however, could spell the end for all three.
As this decision sinks in, let’s take a look at reactions from the fan base and hear thoughts from a former player.
The Colts fan base is undeniably frustrated heading into the 2025 season, with much of the dissatisfaction directed at general manager Chris Ballard. After an eighth year of missed expectations, Ballard’s continued role in shaping the team has left many fans disappointed—arguably more so than any other decision this offseason.
This has sparked questions about what Ballard could possibly do to regain trust and change the pessimistic outlook fans have for the upcoming season. Could it be a game-changing free agent signing? A bold trade? Or perhaps nailing the 2025 NFL Draft with impactful talent?
Curious to gauge the fan base’s thoughts, we conducted a poll on X to see what Colts fans believe would be the most effective move for Ballard to flip the script. Check out the results below!
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