Indianapolis Colts Name Chris Ballard as New Head Coach, Replacing Shane Steichen
Indianapolis, IN — In a surprising move, the Indianapolis Colts have named Chris Ballard as the team’s new head coach, replacing Shane Steichen, who has stepped down after just one season at the helm. Ballard, who has served as the Colts’ general manager since 2017, will take on dual responsibilities as both head coach and GM, a decision that marks a major shift in the team’s leadership structure.
Steichen, hired in 2023 to revitalize a franchise coming off a string of underwhelming seasons, was tasked with developing young quarterback Anthony Richardson and returning the team to playoff contention. However, despite flashes of promise, particularly from Richardson, the Colts struggled with inconsistency throughout the 2023 season, finishing with a disappointing 6-11 record. The inability to compete in a highly competitive AFC South ultimately led to the decision to part ways with Steichen.
The Decision to Promote Ballard
The move to promote Chris Ballard to head coach signals the franchise’s desire for continuity and stability at the top. Ballard, known for his keen eye for talent and his ability to build competitive rosters, is seen as a strong leader capable of guiding the Colts through this next phase of their rebuild. The decision also reflects the belief that Ballard’s long-term vision for the team — a vision that has focused on youth development, solid draft classes, and long-term success — is best served by having him at the helm.
Ballard, 54, has been with the Colts since 2017 and has played a key role in assembling the current roster, which includes standout players like linebacker Shaquille Leonard, cornerback Kenny Moore, and wide receiver Michael Pittman Jr. His track record as a general manager has earned him significant respect around the league, and now, the Colts are placing their trust in him to also lead the team from the sidelines.
“I am truly honored to take on this new role as head coach of the Indianapolis Colts,” Ballard said in a statement. “This organization has been through a lot in recent years, and I’m excited for the challenge of leading this team forward. We’ve got a talented group of young players, and with the right leadership and a continued commitment to developing them, I believe we can return to our winning ways.”
Shane Steichen’s Departure
Steichen’s departure, although unexpected, was not entirely out of the blue. After an offseason full of optimism, Steichen and the Colts encountered a difficult season. While Richardson showed flashes of his potential as a dual-threat quarterback, injuries and inconsistent play from both the offense and defense hindered the Colts’ ability to stay competitive in the AFC South.
In a statement, Steichen expressed his gratitude for the opportunity to coach the Colts but acknowledged the challenges that ultimately led to the decision to step down.
“I want to thank Jim Irsay, Chris Ballard, and the entire Colts organization for the opportunity to lead this team,” Steichen said. “While we faced some tough challenges, I am proud of the growth we saw from our young players, especially Anthony. I’m confident the future is bright for this team.”
Looking Ahead
With Ballard now taking on the role of head coach, the Colts are expected to undergo a shift in philosophy. While he will continue to manage player personnel as the GM, his dual role will allow him to have a more hands-on approach to developing the team on the field. The Colts are expected to focus on building around young quarterback Anthony Richardson, who showed promise as a dynamic playmaker but will need further development to reach his full potential.
The move is a bold step for the franchise, one that signals a long-term commitment to rebuilding the Colts into a perennial contender. Ballard will now have the responsibility of not only shaping the roster but also ensuring that the team’s culture and leadership continue to evolve.
Team owner Jim Irsay expressed confidence in Ballard’s ability to guide the team moving forward.
“We are excited about the future with Chris leading the charge as both head coach and general manager,” Irsay said. “This is a new chapter for the Colts, and I believe we have the right man in place to bring this team back to where it belongs.”
Conclusion
The promotion of Chris Ballard to head coach marks a bold new direction for the Indianapolis Colts. With a young, talented roster and a determined leader at the helm, the Colts are aiming to quickly turn the page on a challenging 2023 season and lay the foundation for future success. The upcoming offseason will be crucial as Ballard and his staff begin the work of building a contender, with all eyes on Anthony Richardson’s development as the cornerstone of the team’s future.
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