The Indianapolis Colts will enter the 2024 season as one of the more interesting teams in the NFL. They have a young and talented group on their side, and are seeking their first division title since 2014.
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It’s been a tough several years for the Colts, and this season could be a do-or-die season for their seven-year general manager, Chris Ballard. Ballard has posted a 54-60-1 record in his tenure, with only one playoff win.
Once a powerhouse in the AFC, the Colts are seeking to reach those heights again; however, Ballard may not be around for it if things take a turn for the worst in 2024.
General manager Chris Ballard of the Indianapolis Colts stands on the sidelines during an NFL preseason football game against the Denver Broncos at Lucas Oil Stadium on August 11, 2024 in Indianapolis, Indiana. Ballard is… General manager Chris Ballard of the Indianapolis Colts stands on the sidelines during an NFL preseason football game against the Denver Broncos at Lucas Oil Stadium on August 11, 2024 in Indianapolis, Indiana. Ballard is blunt about his resposne regarding being on the hot seat this upcoming season.
Photo by Todd Rosenberg/Getty Images
On Wednesday, Ballard was asked if he was on the hot seat for the upcoming season, and he was blunt in his response.
“No different than any other year,” Ballard said to reporters, per ESPN’s Stephen Holder.
“The last three years not making the playoffs, it’s a disappointment. I’m not going to sit here and say it wasn’t. But I still have a very strong belief in what we’re doing, how we’re doing it and how we’re going to get there. … Either you believe in something or you believe nothing. It’s easy to vacillate and go with what the world wants you to do. You either believe in something or you don’t. This is what we believe.
“It gets me fired, so be it.”
This comes after the Colts recently released three of their 2024 draft picks — their fifth-, sixth-, and seventh-round selections — just four months after they drafted them.
Many times, these draft picks don’t turn into anything special. However, releasing these players months after being drafted says more about the job Ballard and the front office are doing in scouting.
Although this is a bad look on Ballard, he did choose quarterback Anthony Richardson in the first round of the 2023 NFL Draft. Richardson only played four games in his rookie season, but still showcased his skill before suffering a season-ending right shoulder injury. He’s expected to do great things this upcoming season.
Holder mentioned that Richardson’s success could tie into Ballard’s future with the team moving forward.
“Much of Indianapolis’ success this season will depend on the development of second-year quarterback Anthony Richardson, who the Colts are hoping takes off after his return from an injury that limited him to four games as a rookie. Similarly, Ballard’s tenure could ultimately be linked to Richardson’s success or failure in the long term.”
Ballard and the Colts will look for a healthy and productive season after posting a 9-8 record in 2023. If not, it could be the last for Ballard in Indianapolis.
