In a letter penned to Indianapolis Colts fans, owner Jim Irsay confirmed that both GM Chris Ballard and Shane Steichen will be back for the 2025 season.
“I’ve been evaluating our entire operation, and I believe in Chris Ballard and Shane Steichen and our collective ability to make the improvements needed to take us to the next level in 2025,” wrote Irsay.
Given that it was another disappointing season, the news does come as a bit of a shock–at least in regards to Ballard.
This past week against New York was the third time in four seasons that the Colts lost a late-season game where a win either got them into the playoffs or kept their playoff hopes alive. And two of those losses came against teams with just two wins–the Giants this year and the Jaguars in 2021.
In eight seasons under Ballard, the Colts have only two playoff appearances–and none since 2020–and one playoff win. In the wide-open AFC South, the Colts haven’t won the division during that span, while the Jaguars, Titans, and Texans have all won it at least twice.
The Colts record since Ballard took over is 62-69-1.
“Believe me, I know you share my impatience and frustration. I know you invest your time, energy, and money into the Colts every year,” added Irsay. “More than anything, we want to reward you with division titles and playoff runs, and we’ve fallen short in the most painful ways possible.”
Irsay would go on to say that things “evolve quickly” in the NFL both from a week to week and season to season perspective, so he will “never stop being optimistic that this team can take the next step.”
While Ballard’s future with the team was uncertain for the last two weeks, the general consensus from NFL insiders seemed to be that Steichen was going to return.
Both when with Philadelphia and with the Colts, Steichen has shown to be a quality offensive architect, although he and the offense did regress this season. The game-plans, certain in-game decisions, and messaging all seemed to take a step backwards.
However, when it comes to maximizing Anthony Richardson’s potential success, continuity and keeping the same system and coaching staff was always likely going to be a key part of the equation.
“I know fans who want an immediate change in leadership will be disappointed,” wrote Irsay. “That means we all have a lot to prove, so we’ll get back to work and keep doing what we can to earn your support and make you proud to be a Colts fan.”
(This article will be updated to provide additional information.)