The Indianapolis Colts dismissed general manager Chris Ballard following a two-win start to the NFL season, culminating in a 26-20 home loss to the Tennessee Titans. The decision places franchise CEO Carlie Irsay-Gordon at the center of her first major organizational overhaul in a male-dominated league.
Carlie Irsay-Gordon Takes Command of the Colts
Following the death of owner Jim Irsay, leadership of the Indianapolis franchise passed to his three daughters, including CEO Carlie Irsay-Gordon, Kalen Jackson, and Casey Foyt. Unlike most NFL club owners who watch from private luxury suites, Irsay-Gordon maintains a visible presence on the sidelines during games. She listens to coaching staff communications via headset to evaluate in-game operations firsthand.
Having worked across various departments within the organization, Irsay-Gordon bypassed traditional executive paths. Her active oversight led her to overrule initial continuity plans. While she confirmed in the spring that both Ballard and head coach Shane Steichen would return for the 2026 season, the early-season slide forced an abrupt shift.
This change during the season was a deliberate decision,
Irsay-Gordon stated regarding the firing. Waiting would only delay the important work that needs to begin now. We will be thorough in our search for our next general manager and take the necessary time to find the right leadership for the future of this organization.
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Chris Ballard Leaves After Decade of Roster Turnover
Ballard served as general manager for ten seasons, compiling a 72-82-1 overall record with just two playoff appearances and zero division titles. Appointed in 2017, his early trajectory shifted dramatically when franchise quarterback Andrew Luck retired abruptly before the 2019 season.
Subsequent attempts to stabilize the position led to a succession of stopgap options before the selection of Anthony Richardson in the 2023 NFL Draft. The team found temporary success in 2025 after acquiring quarterback Daniel Jones, racing to an eight-win start in their first ten games. That momentum encouraged the front office to trade future first-round draft picks in 2026 and 2027 to the New York Jets for cornerback Sauce Gardner.
The outlook deteriorated when Jones suffered a torn achilles tendon. The team dropped its early games of the current campaign, culminating in the home defeat to Tennessee that sealed Ballard’s departure.
Shane Steichen Remains Coach While Ed Dodds Takes Over
Head coach Shane Steichen remains in place under a contract running through 2028, reporting directly to ownership. Steichen will lead the team for Sunday’s matchup against the Minnesota Vikings. Assistant general manager Ed Dodds has assumed interim general manager duties, managing the roster while ownership conducts its search.
Irsay-Gordon emphasized that the front-office change does not diminish competitive expectations for the remainder of the schedule. I want to also be clear: This decision does not change our season goals,
she noted. There is a lot of football left in front of us, and I expect us to compete, improve, and win games.
More than 20 players hold expiring contracts, leaving significant roster decisions ahead for whoever assumes permanent control.
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Potential Candidates for the General Manager Vacancy
As the organization weighs its options for permanent leadership, speculation spans multiple potential profiles. Interim leader Ed Dodds, who has served as assistant general manager since 2017, represents an internal option. External speculation has also touched on high-profile figures, including Peyton Manning, whose 2006 team secured the franchise’s second Super Bowl title.
Progressive front-office figures have also entered the conversation. Catherine Hickman, currently serving as assistant general manager and vice president of football operations for the Cleveland Browns, stands out as a prominent external candidate. With a background in law and football operations under Howie Roseman with the Philadelphia Eagles, Hickman contributed to Cleveland’s recent draft selections, drawing notice from league reporting.
If appointed, Hickman would become the second woman to hold a permanent NFL general manager title, following Susan Tose Spencer with the Philadelphia Eagles during the mid-1980s.
Next Steps for Indianapolis on Sunday
The Colts travel to face the Minnesota Vikings on Sunday, with kickoff scheduled for 6:00 PM. The game marks the first test for the team under interim management and direct ownership oversight following the departure of Ballard.
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