The move was announced Oct. 19 by Colts owner and CEO Carlie Irsay-Gordon, one day after Indianapolis lost 26-20 at home to the Tennessee Titans, who entered the game winless. Irsay-Gordon said the team would begin a national search for Ballard’s successor immediately.

“Waiting would only delay the important work that needs to begin now,” she said, adding that the change would not alter the team’s goals for the season. She said she expects the Colts to compete, improve and win games.

Ballard was hired Jan. 29, 2017, and was in his 10th season as the team’s general manager. Indianapolis went 72-82-1 during his tenure, with four winning seasons and two playoff appearances.

His tenure included a 2018 season in which the Colts recovered from a 1-5 start, reached the playoffs and won an AFC wild-card game. Draft picks including Quenton Nelson, Shaquille Leonard and Jonathan Taylor became All-Pro selections. But the team finished 8-9 in both 2024 and 2025 and missed the playoffs in each season.

In the offseason, Ballard re-signed quarterback Daniel Jones and receiver Alec Pierce and added defensive players Micheal Clemons, Akeem Davis-Gaither and Arden Key. Indianapolis lost four of its first six games this season, prompting the midseason leadership change.

Irsay-Gordon said the Colts would take the time needed to identify a leader for the franchise’s future. The team has not announced who will oversee football operations during the search.