Colts Commit to Head Coach & GM Despite Missing Playoffs Again
The Indianapolis Colts' 2025 season was a tale of two halves, leaving fans and ownership grappling with a mix of promise and profound disappointment. Starting the year with a remarkable 8-2 record, the team benefitted from an easy schedule and showcased an offense that led the NFL in yards per game, yards per play, and scoring during the early parts of the season.
QB Daniel Jones, a mid-season acquisition after his release from the New York Giants in November 2024, emerged as a beacon of efficiency, instilling hope and building strong team relationships. However, a devastating seven-game losing streak to close out the campaign resulted in an 8-9 finish, marking the first time in NFL history that a team six games above .500 ended with a losing record.
This collapse, exacerbated by a wave of injuries, including Jones' season-ending ruptured Achilles, has sparked widespread frustration among the fanbase. In a candid news conference on Monday following the season's end, Colts owner Carlie Irsay-Gordon didn't shy away from acknowledging the discontent.
"You're right to be frustrated with how the latter part of our season went. I'm pissed. We are all pissed," she stated.
Despite the setbacks, Irsay-Gordon announced the retention of head coach Shane Steichen and general manager Chris Ballard for the 2026 season, signaling a commitment to continuity rather than a full overhaul.
The decision comes in the team's first year without longtime owner Jim Irsay, who passed away in May 2025. Now led by Carlie Irsay-Gordon and her sisters Casey Foyt and Kalen Jackson, the franchise is navigating this transition with a focus on building on the early-season momentum.
Yet, she made it clear that patience is wearing thin: "We have been very clear with Ballard and Steichen, but giving them another opportunity means that the sense of urgency for them to deliver and perform has never been higher."
The Up and Downs of the Colts’ Rollercoaster
The 2025 campaign began with unbridled optimism for the Colts. Under Steichen's guidance, the offense fired on all cylinders, propelling the team to a fast start that had them eyeing a deep playoff run.
Jones, in particular, proved his worth, with Irsay-Gordon noting, "He knew he had something to prove and I think he did a great job. He's a great teammate, building relationships with other players."
For the Colts, the wheels came off in spectacular fashion. Injuries piled up, decimating the roster and leading to that unprecedented seven-game slide. The season finale, a 38-30 defeat to the Houston Texans, encapsulated the frustration. Irsay-Gordon reflected on the close contests: "We had a lot of close games this season, and some of that came down to just being able to finish."
Ballard, now in his ninth year with a cumulative record of 70-78-1, now has another season under his belt without making the playoffs, extending a drought that has tested the organization's resolve.
How Did the Colts Get Here?
Despite the mediocre finish, Irsay-Gordon pointed to tangible improvements as justification for keeping the duo. Ballard's shift toward more dynamic roster building, including increased free agency activity and the Sauce Gardner trade, demonstrated adaptability.
"I think what we saw as far as the progress of Ballard being able to adapt and change the way he works on the roster and assembles the roster," she explained, adding that the team believes he can replicate this success.
An overhaul was deemed risky, potentially alienating free agents like Jones and Pierce. Irsay-Gordon stressed that the early-season form showed the foundation is solid, but execution must improve.
No contract extensions have been discussed for Ballard, whose current deal ends after 2026, heightening the stakes. We have seen plenty of players perform well in their contract year. Could we see the same here?
Urgency and Expectations for the Colts in 2026
Looking to 2026, the mantra is urgency across the board. Irsay-Gordon reiterated, "That sense of urgency to deliver on what we promised, the sense of urgency goes for us, too. It could not be higher."
The focus will be on health, depth, and finishing games to capitalize on the offensive potential glimpsed early in 2025.With the new ownership trio at the helm, the Colts aim to honor Jim Irsay's legacy by returning to contention.
Fans, while frustrated, may find solace in the acknowledgment of their pain and the promise of accountability. As Irsay-Gordon put it, "It's not good enough. It's not to the standard."
The coming season will test whether this continuity breeds success or necessitates change.
