Chris Ballard is embarking on his eighth season as the general manager of the Indianapolis Colts, but will this be his final year with the team?
Since Ballard’s appointment in January 2017, the Colts have posted a record of 54-60-1. While they made the playoffs twice during his tenure, they have not seen postseason play in the last three years. Under his leadership, the team has secured only one playoff victory and has yet to claim an AFC South title.
When asked about his job security for the upcoming season, Ballard maintained a confident stance in an interview with ESPN’s Stephen Holder. “It’s no different than any other year,” Ballard stated. “Not making the playoffs the past three years has been disappointing. I won’t pretend otherwise. However, I firmly believe in our approach, our methods, and our path forward. You either have conviction or you don’t. It’s easy to shift with the changing winds, but we have a clear direction. If that gets me fired, so be it.
Ballard’s future with the Colts may hinge on how the team performs this season. A continuation of their recent struggles could lead to his departure next offseason.
The Luck Factor
A significant factor in Ballard’s challenges has been the absence of a superstar quarterback. When he first took the reins, the Colts had Andrew Luck, an elite quarterback. Unfortunately, Luck missed the entire 2017 season with a shoulder injury, which was Ballard’s initial year with the team.
Luck made a comeback in 2018, leading the Colts to a 10-6 record and a playoff berth. However, his unexpected retirement just before the 2019 season threw the team into disarray. Since Luck’s departure, the Colts have cycled through a series of quarterbacks, including Jacoby Brissett, Philip Rivers, Carson Wentz, and Matt Ryan.
In 2023, Ballard drafted Anthony Richardson as the fourth overall pick. While Richardson showed promise, he played only four games as a rookie, raising questions about his potential as the franchise quarterback. If Richardson struggles with injuries or underperforms this season, and if the Colts fail to make the playoffs, Ballard’s tenure could be in jeopardy.
Strengths in Drafting
Despite his conservative approach in free agency, Ballard is recognized for his drafting skills. His ability to find talent in the draft has been a highlight of his tenure. Notable players drafted under Ballard’s regime include Michael Pittman Jr., Quenton Nelson, Shaquille Leonard, Jonathan Taylor, and Grover Stewart. Additionally, Zaire Franklin, selected in the seventh round of the 2018 draft, has developed into one of the league’s top linebackers.
Ballard’s 2024 draft class also shows promise, with first-round picks Laiatu Latu and Adonai Mitchell potentially making significant contributions as rookies.
Although Ballard has had several opportunities to build a successful team, his results have been mixed. The 2024 season could very well determine whether he continues as the Colts’ general manager or if this will be his final year in Indianapolis.