The Indianapolis Colts have made the decision to fire general manager Chris Ballard after falling to the Tennessee Titans in Week 6.

On Sunday, the Colts fell to 2-4 on the 2026 season. But defeat to their AFC South rivals, the previously-winless Titans, proved to be the final straw for Ballard and his directionless Colts, who claimed one of their wins against a banged-up Washington Commanders.

Across Ballard's 10 seasons in Indianapolis, the Colts never won the AFC South while every other team in the division won it at least twice. The Colts also made a big swing for Sauce Gardner last year, which has not paid off.

The Colts flipped two first-round picks for the cornerback in a move which has undoubtedly not paid off. Gardner has struggled for form and the Colts have gone 3-9 since the deal, including the stunning loss to the Titans, which may have cost Ballard his job.

In a statement, Colts owner Charlie Irsay-Gordon said: “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.

“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.

“Making this change during the season was a deliberate decision. Waiting would only delay the important work that needs to begin now. We will conduct a thorough search for our next general manager and take the time necessary to identify the right leader for the future of this organization.

“I also want to be clear: this decision does not change our goals for the season. We have a lot of football in front of us, and I expect us to compete, improve, and win football games.”

Ballard also oversaw the disastrous move to re-sign Daniel Jones to a two-year extension worth $88 million. While Jones played well last season, his career resume was poor and his 2025 campaign ended prematurely due to an Achilles tear. He has struggled in 2026, throwing for 1,290 yards and four touchdowns while tossing six interceptions.

The Colts have been below expectations in 2026. Their defense has ranked among the worst in the NFL, surrendering massive yardage totals, missing routine tackles, and generating a very low pressure rate on opposing quarterbacks under defensive coordinator Lou Anarumo.

Meanwhile, turnovers have been frequent and costy; Jonathan Taylor fumbled against the Titans, while Jones tossed two picks.

Ultimately, Ballard's team-building philosophy - which heavily relies on internal re-signings and conservative draft picks rather than aggressive, high-impact moves in free agency - has left the roster short on premier playmakers. His time is up in Indy, leaving with a regular-season record of 72-82-1 and a 1-2 record in the postseason.

The 2-4 Colts are next in action on the road at the 5-0 Minnesota Vikings on Sunday, Oct. 25.