The Indianapolis Colts have fired Chris Ballard as their general manager.

Ballard had served in the role since 2017 but, despite frequently receiving praise for his performance in the NFL Draft, the Colts made the playoffs just twice during his tenure, winning a solitary playoff game in 2018.

Having not made the playoffs since the 2020 season, the Colts dropped to 2-4 for the 2026 season with a 26-20 home loss to the previously winless Tennessee Titans.

Fans at Lucas Oil Stadium were heard chanting for the organisation to fire Ballard, and Colts Owner & CEO Carlie Irsay-Gordon announced on Monday that she had reached the decision to do so.

(C) John Mersits/CSM/Alamy Live News

Irsay-Gordon said in a statement: “I am grateful to Chris for his years of service to the Colts and for everything he poured into this organisation. 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 organisation.

“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.”

The Colts went 72-82-1 in Ballard’s tenure as GM, failing to win the AFC South once in that time.

Head coach Shane Steichen remains in post, with his team set to visit the 5-0 Minnesota Vikings on Sunday.