After 1 playoff win and 0 division titles across 10 years, Chris Ballard’s reign as general manager of the Colts has come to an end.
On Monday morning, Colts Owner Carlie Irsay-Gordon fired Ballard, who was in the final year of his contract.
“I am grateful to Chris for his years of service to the Colts and for everything he poured into this organization. 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.”
Monday’s message was long overdue, but a necessary step in the work that, as Irsay-Gordon said, needed to be done now.
First, it’s the lack of winning, with a record of 72-81-1.
The Colts are in the midst of an 11-year divisional title drought, with nine of those seasons coming under Ballard’s watch. This has occurred at a time in which the AFC South has been the worst division in the AFC, with the following quarterbacks leading their teams to division titles in Ballard’s’ time: Texans- Texans-C.J. Stroud (3), Deshaun Watson (2), Titans-Ryan Tannehill (2), Jaguars-Blake Bortles (1), Jaguars-Trevor Lawrence (1). Every AFC South team has won a division title twice, since the Colts last won one.
In missing the playoffs for a 5th straight year this past season, the Colts are in their worst playoff drought in more than 30 years. More than 20 teams have won a playoff game since the Colts last did in 2018.
In the 16-team AFC, the Colts have finished the season under Ballard in the following places: 13th, 6th, 10th, 7th, 8th, 15th, 9th, 8th, 8th, 12th (Currently)
From a roster building standpoint, it is fair to critique Ballard’s lack of focus/answers on premium positions, plus putting an incredible amount of stress on hitting often and early in the draft, while overlooking other areas to improve the roster.
Way too many misses on premium defensive draft picks has marred the Colts throughout Ballard’s tenure.
The Colts found definite draft hits under Ballard (LG-Quenton Nelson, LB-Darius Leonard, RB-Jonathan Taylor, RT-Braden Smith), but not enough at the positions that carry on more of an impact in today’s NFL.
Answers, at a high level, were hard to come by at quarterback, wide receiver, left tackle (until Bernhard Raimann in 2022), edge rusher and cornerback.
Ballard’s reluctance in taking chances in free agency put added pressure on the need to hit drafts at a super high (and unlikely) rate.
The GM oftentimes opted for in-house continuity instead of looking to change personnel over the years, despite the team success stuck in the middle of the AFC.
A more under the radar to Ballard’s tenure was a defensive focus instilled by him to be rooted in a lack of aggressive, innovative schemes. It was Ballard wanting Matt Eberflus for Josh McDaniels in 2018, and keeping a similar system under Gus Bradley.
Yes, a band-aid approach at quarterback post Andrew Luck-retirement was the wrong choice, but his staunch belief in overhauling the defense did not lead to the necessary results.
For many GMs, a resume that has unfolded as Ballard’s would not have received as long of a leash as he did.
But Jim Irsay opted to be uber patient with a GM the Owner once labeled as the greatest general manager hire of the 21st Century, back in January 2017.
Some nine years later, those words never sniffed fruition.
And Irsay’s oldest daughter, finally, admitted that with her actions on Monday.
(Story by Network Indiana)