The Indianapolis Colts don’t plan to move on from Shane Steichen at coach and Chris Ballard at general manager, team owner Jim Irsay said in a statement on Sunday.
Irsay laid out Indianapolis’ future plans following a 26-23 overtime victory over the Jacksonville Jaguars. The Colts finished the season at 8-9 and missed out on the playoffs for the fourth year in a row.
“As we close out this season, I can’t tell you how disappointed I am that we failed to win the AFC South and earn a playoff appearance,” Irsay said in his statement. “There’s a high standard in this city for our team and anyone who steps on the field wearing the Horseshoe. The expectation is to win our division and compete for championships.
“Just being on the doorstep of the playoffs is not the standard I expect, nor what you deserve. We understand that and always accept the challenge. Believe me, I know you share my impatience and frustration. I know you invest your time, energy and money into the Colts every year. …
“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.”
Irsay acknowledged that fans who wanted a leadership change “will be disappointed” but said the team would “get back to work and keep doing what we can to earn your support and make you proud to be a Colts fan.”
Steichen, 39, just concluded his second season as the Colts’ coach and has guided Indianapolis to a 17-17 record.
Ballard, 55, has been general manager ever since the 2017 campaign.
