Colts Fire GM Chris Ballard After 2-4 Start and Home Loss to Previously Winless Titans
INDIANAPOLIS — The Indianapolis Colts announced on October 19 that they have relieved general manager Chris Ballard of his duties, the first major front-office change of the NFL season. The move came one day after the Colts lost 26-20 at home to the previously winless Tennessee Titans, blowing a 13-0 halftime lead and falling to 2-4 on the season.
"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," team owner Carlie Irsay-Gordon said in a statement. "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." She said making the change during the season was a deliberate decision — "waiting would only delay the important work that needs to begin now" — and that the team will conduct a thorough search for its next general manager, while the decision does not change the team's goals for this season.
Ballard had served as the Colts' general manager since 2017 and was in his 10th season, the final year of his contract. U.S. media tallied his tenure at 72-82-1 with two playoff appearances. Assistant general manager Ed Dodds will oversee the personnel department for the remainder of the season, and head coach Shane Steichen and his staff will report to ownership. (GSM reporting based on the Colts' official statement and the Associated Press)
Published by GSM · USA (original Chinese edition)
Photo: 图：印第安纳波利斯小马队主场Lucas Oil体育场内景。图片来源：SounderBruce摄，CC BY-SA 4.0，经Wikimedia Commons。Photo: Inside Lucas Oil Stadium, home of the Indianapolis Colts. Source: SounderBruce, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons.
