All signs point to 2025 being the final chapter of Chris Ballard’s tenure as general manager of the Indianapolis Colts. In nine years at the helm, Ballard has produced just two playoff appearances, a single postseason victory, and zero divisional titles. That track record alone would raise questions, but the current state of the franchise makes his seat hotter than ever.
The biggest issue remains at quarterback — the most important position in football. Since Andrew Luck’s unexpected retirement in 2019, Ballard has searched for a long-term answer without success. While his early attempts leaned heavily on short-term veterans and NFL retreads, the 2023 draft was supposed to mark a turning point. Ballard’s bold move to select Anthony Richardson was meant to define his legacy. A rare physical talent with off-the-charts athleticism, Richardson was envisioned as the new face of the Colts.
Instead, his rise has quickly turned into a stunning fall. Richardson’s benching after just one full season of play has created the defining “egg-on-the-face” moment of Ballard’s career. For a general manager already under fire, the failure to properly identify and develop a franchise quarterback underscores the larger pattern of missteps that have plagued his tenure.
Yes, the Luck retirement was a difficult blow, but the grace period for that excuse expired long ago. Nearly half a decade later, the Colts are still rudderless at quarterback, and their lack of postseason success only deepens the frustration. What remains is a blueprint for how not to build a team — a collection of miscalculations, false starts, and missed opportunities.
Unless a dramatic turnaround occurs, it is hard to envision Chris Ballard lasting through the end of the 2025 season.
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