Adam Schefter of ESPN has confirmed that Colts General Manager Chris Ballard and Head Coach Shane Steichen will remain with the team through the 2026 season.
On Monday, Colts owner Carlie Irsay-Gordon will address the media to discuss the reasoning behind this decision and outline what lies ahead for the franchise.
The Colts started the season strong with a 7-1 record, ranking among the top teams in football. However, the momentum shifted dramatically as they closed the season with a disappointing 1-8 record, compounded by the season-ending Achilles injury to quarterback Daniel Jones.
Chris Ballard, who is now 55 years old, has a storied career dating back to 1994 when he began as a college coach. His NFL journey started in 2001 as an area scout for the Bears, where he spent over a decade. In 2013, Ballard transitioned to the Chiefs as the director of player personnel, a role he held for four years before taking the reins as the Colts’ GM in 2017. He secured a four-year contract extension in 2021.
During Ballard’s tenure as GM, the Colts have achieved a record of 70-77-1 over eight seasons, with only two playoff appearances to show for it.
Shane Steichen, 40, embarked on his coaching career in 2010 as an offensive assistant. He made his NFL debut with the Chargers in 2011 as a defensive assistant. After a stint with the Browns in 2013, Steichen returned to the Chargers, where he rose through the ranks to quarterback coach in 2016. He subsequently served as the interim offensive coordinator in 2019 and was later promoted to a full-time role in 2020. Following the departure of Head Coach Anthony Lynn, Steichen joined the Eagles as offensive coordinator in 2021, eventually landing the head coach role with the Colts in 2023.
In his three years leading the Colts, Steichen has guided the team to a record of 25-25, with no playoff appearances to date.
