The Indianapolis Colts Fire Chris Ballard, ending a tenure that began in 2017 and ultimately failed to deliver the sustained success the franchise needed. Now, with assistant general manager Ed Dodds taking over player personnel responsibilities for the remainder of the season, Indianapolis faces a critical decision about who will lead the organization into 2027.
One name has already emerged as a potential candidate to replace Ballard: Colts legend Peyton Manning, who could be considered for a front-office role with the franchise he once led to a Super Bowl.
“The Colts’ first call will be/has been to Peyton Manning.” — DP shares what his source has told him. https://t.co/MgTbuJIxhW— Dan Patrick Show (@dpshow) October 19, 2026
The Colts officially announced Ballard’s departure on Monday, with owner and CEO Carlie Irsay-Gordon emphasizing the need for a change in leadership. Following Sunday’s disappointing 26-20 loss to the Tennessee Titans, the organization has decided it can no longer afford to wait for a turnaround. As there is still a lot of games left to be played, and a move of this magnitude could put the team back on track.
Ballard’s dismissal comes after Indianapolis fell to 2-4 after losing to a previously winless Tennessee team. The defeat was particularly frustrating because the Colts entered halftime with a 13-0 lead before watching their advantage disappear.
Indianapolis outgained Tennessee 399-186, yet still found a way to lose. Turnovers, a blocked punt returned for a touchdown, and unsuccessful fourth-down stops helped the Titans secure their first victory of the season. For a franchise that entered 2026 with expectations of competing for the AFC South, the result was another damaging setback.
The Colts retained Ballard and head coach Shane Steichen after the team’s late-season collapse in 2025. Indianapolis started that season 8-2 before losing its final seven games and missing the playoffs. That collapse raised questions about the team’s leadership, roster construction, and ability to close out games. The Colts entered this season with renewed urgency, but their 2-4 start ultimately forced ownership to make a change.
In her statement announcing Ballard’s departure, Irsay-Gordon made the organization’s expectations clear. “Our standard is to compete for championships, and I believe a change in leadership is necessary to meet that standard,” she said.
Irsay-Gordon also explained that the decision to make the change during the season was deliberate, arguing that waiting would delay important work that needed to begin immediately. Ballard’s tenure included some notable successes. He helped bring All-Pro talents such as Quenton Nelson and Jonathan Taylor to Indianapolis, while linebacker Shaquille Leonard became one of the league’s standout defensive players during his time with the franchise.
However, those accomplishments were not enough to overcome the team’s broader shortcomings. The Colts reached the playoffs twice during Ballard’s tenure and won only one postseason game. The organization’s inability to establish consistent quarterback stability following Andrew Luck’s retirement in 2019 remained a defining issue. Now, Indianapolis must determine who can guide the franchise toward sustained contention.
Manning’s name immediately stands out because of his history with Indianapolis and his status as one of the most important players in franchise history. The Hall of Fame quarterback spent the first 13 seasons of his NFL career with the Colts, leading the organization to a Super Bowl XLI championship following the 2006 season. He also won four MVP awards while playing in Indianapolis and helped establish the franchise as a perennial contender during his prime.
However, becoming a general manager would represent an entirely different challenge. According to reporting from The Indianapolis Star, Dan Patrick said a source indicated that Manning could be the Colts’ first call as they begin searching for Ballard’s replacement.
The reported outreach would allow ownership to explore Manning’s interest in the position while potentially gathering his recommendations for other candidates. That distinction matters. There is no confirmed agreement, and Manning has not been announced as the Colts’ next general manager.
His football knowledge, public profile, and connection to Indianapolis would make him an intriguing candidate. Still, the job requires more than an understanding of the game. A general manager must evaluate professional and college talent, manage the salary cap, oversee roster construction and work closely with the coaching staff.
Whether Manning would want to take on those responsibilities remains to be seen. If Indianapolis seriously considers him, the organization will need to determine how his experience, football relationships and potential front-office structure align with its long-term plans.
While the possibility of Manning joining the organization will attract attention, Indianapolis still has an ongoing season to manage. Assistant general manager Ed Dodds will take over player personnel responsibilities for the remainder of the season, providing continuity while the franchise evaluates its next steps.
Dodds joined the Colts in 2017 alongside Ballard after previously working for the Seattle Seahawks. His background includes scouting college and professional players, making him familiar with the evaluation process that drives roster construction.
He has also been involved in the organization’s personnel decisions throughout his time in Indianapolis. Dodds’ temporary responsibilities will place additional attention on the roster as the Colts attempt to salvage their season. Indianapolis still has games to play, and ownership has indicated that the team’s goals for the current campaign have not changed.
Meanwhile, the coaching staff will report directly to ownership rather than operating under Ballard’s leadership structure. That arrangement creates another important storyline for the remainder of 2026.
Steichen was hired in 2023, and his future could become a significant consideration for whoever eventually takes over the front office. A new general manager might want to retain the current coaching staff, or that executive could prefer to bring in a different leadership group. For now, the Colts must navigate the season without the executive who has overseen their roster for nearly a decade.
Ballard’s departure represents more than a reaction to one loss. It signals that Indianapolis is ready to reconsider the leadership structure that has guided the franchise through years of inconsistent results.
The Colts have invested heavily in their roster, but the results have not consistently matched their ambitions. The quarterback position has remained a major question since Luck’s retirement, while repeated postseason disappointments have left the organization searching for answers.
The next general manager will inherit a roster with established talent, but also face significant decisions about the team’s future direction. That includes evaluating the quarterback position, determining which players should remain long-term pieces, and deciding how aggressively Indianapolis should pursue roster upgrades.
The next executive must also establish a productive relationship with ownership and the coaching staff. Those decisions will influence whether the Colts can return to playoff contention or face another extended period of rebuilding. Manning would bring a unique connection to the franchise if he chooses to pursue the opportunity. Dodds, meanwhile, offers an established personnel background and familiarity with the current roster.
Other candidates could also emerge as Indianapolis conducts its search. The Colts have made their first major move by firing Ballard. Their next decision could prove even more consequential. For a franchise that has spent years searching for consistency, the coming months will help determine whether this leadership change finally provides the direction Indianapolis needs.
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