Should Chris Ballard be fired?

[Dobbinblitz]

He has been Stubborn to a fault, and never really altered his blueprint during his tenure. From afar, he does not appear to have grown very much in the position over the years. I believe he has leveraged the cap toward less impactful positions He has inexplicably left the cupboard bare in regard depth at certain positions - indicating “He Liked The Room” over the years. He is less and less in front of the media. So, it definitely would seem  a makeover is due for this franchise that has mediocrity written all over it for far too long.

[Dewey5]

9 hours ago, GoColts8818 said:

Maybe I am not remembering right but if I remember correctly he was saying he hated Indy and namely Lucas Oil Stadium because they lost a big game there in college more than he truly hated the city.

You are correct

[DavePSL]

Anybody that thinks Ballard is a good drafter, go watch the Texans and the production they are getting from their draft picks and I'n not talking about just high picks...... Not to mention the free agents they signed that are making big impacts on their team and it proves that Ballard's ridiculous claim about outside free agents rarely working out. The guy is clueless in todays NFL. He should have been gone years ago but as I have said, he's a hell of a salesman and Irsay falls for it. 

[Restinpeacesweetchloe]

2 minutes ago, DavePSL said:

Anybody that thinks Ballard is a good drafter, go watch the Texans and the production they are getting from their draft picks and I'n not talking about just high picks...... Not to mention the free agents they signed that are making big impacts on their team and it proves that Ballard's ridiculous claim about outside free agents rarely working out. The guy is clueless in todays NFL. He should have been gone years ago but as I have said, he's a hell of a salesman and Irsay falls for it. 

Colts have lots of late round picks being valuable starters 

[ColtStrong2013]

17 minutes ago, DavePSL said:

Anybody that thinks Ballard is a good drafter, go watch the Texans and the production they are getting from their draft picks and I'n not talking about just high picks...... Not to mention the free agents they signed that are making big impacts on their team and it proves that Ballard's ridiculous claim about outside free agents rarely working out. The guy is clueless in todays NFL. He should have been gone years ago but as I have said, he's a hell of a salesman and Irsay falls for it. 

 

Watching their game right now. The difference between their draft picks and our draft picks is they have CJ Stroud. That's literally the difference in their team right now. 

[LJpalmbeacher2]

On 10/30/2024 at 9:52 AM, 2006Coltsbestever said:

3 simple choices. 

 

Well really, there's only 1 logical choice......yes.

But I think, maybe, Flacco will make a push for the playoffs to keep Ballard's job.

Amyway, if I was predicting/writing a script I think that would be a nice read. 

[OLD FAN MAN]

On 10/30/2024 at 11:02 AM, Patrick Miller said:

Imo it’s time for a change.

his no impact free agent method is clearly not working, and failure to move up to draft qb prospects was a big failure i voted yes past time

[OLD FAN MAN]

31 minutes ago, Restinpeacesweetchloe said:

Colts have lots of late round picks being valuable starters 

they are starters for the colts because he refuses to sign elite free agents, could they start for elite teams

[LJpalmbeacher2]

On 10/30/2024 at 4:26 PM, NewColtsFan said:

 I’m assuming….   I’m giving you the benefit of the doubt that you haven’t seen my post TODAY where I stated that Ballard will offer his resignation at the end of the season.   That’s where I am.   

Im not convinced that AR’s time with the Colts is up.   I expect him to play again this season.   Even if he doesn’t start, Steichen will likely create a package of plays just for AR for the games around the bye week. 
 

I have zero interest in joining any lynch mob demanding Ballard be fired now.  At the end of the season Irsay can figure out what he wants to do.  He can fire Ballard, or he can accept Ballards resignation, or he can keep him.   But I’ll leave that to Irsay, and be fine with the choice.  

 

Yeah, I agree. No benefit in firing him midseason(except in pleasing me). 

 

Even though it probably won't help long term outlook, I think.a good showing by Flacco and maybe a playoff appearance may have Ballard back in '25. 

[OLD FAN MAN]

6 hours ago, Superman said:

 

Are we getting any advantage from this institutional knowledge right now? What payoff has there been from the good front office people and staff? I guess I just don't understand what you think we'd be losing that is necessary for eventual success. 

 

The Steichen thing is tough for me. Bottom line, I think he's blown it with Richardson, and I don't think he's done an effective job as a leader and a communicator, and those are the most important aspects of his job. With how badly I think he's blown it with Richardson, I don't trust him to develop another rookie QB.

 

Even if I was mostly favorable on Steichen, the real basis of my opinion is that I think there are deeply rooted issues with this program. I think drastic steps are needed to get to the bottom of it. It's probably not any one person's fault, and it's probably not fair to everyone involved, but we've done a different version of a half measure several times since 2016. New GM in 2017, new HC in 2018, interim HC in 2022, new HC in 2023... I think it's time for a clean sweep. And I think Irsay should hire someone else to oversee it -- that means a new chairman/president of Ops, to whom the new GM and HC both answer. That's how drastic I think the changes should be.

 

A quick rebuild in the name of continuity is what they've been trying to do all along. The only continuity we've achieved is continually mediocre seasons, continually not a contender, continually shuffling QBs. Continuity is little more than a baby blanket, particularly when it produces no meaningful results. I think it's time we stop coddling ourselves. 

great post!!!! the current group of decision makers have us stuck as an average team, I for one would like to see us contend each season instead of the constant rebuild and wait to develop while other players get old. yes we need a new aggressive gm

[VikingsFanInChennai]

On 10/30/2024 at 10:39 PM, Superman said:

 

I'm agreeing with you, sorry I didn't make that more clear. It's just a bad comparison to begin with. John Lynch and Chris Ballard started at the same time. They've had the same primary obstacle -- lack of a franchise QB. Yet the Niners have an amazing roster and two SB appearances.

 

I think people have been unfair to Chris Ballard for a long time. I don't think he's a terrible GM. But there's a problem with this organization, and it needs to be burned out of the building.

Wonder who you think "The Elephant in the room" is? Or do you just want to start afresh with all new management and coaching staff and thus their new philosophy and strategy (hoping that the problem goes away)? 

 

For the record, even though I voted yes as I think the writing is crystal clear on the wall regarding Ballard, I'd be okay with 2-year (1 more year after this) plan as @chad72 suggested but the problem there is it seems an impossible task to make the AR experiment work - even at best if it works out, AR would still may be slightly above average QB with injury risk always hanging on top of the head! I don't think you win a SB going by that plan. And, one more season would be wasted doing so!

 

So, my personal opinion would be to start afresh at the end of this season and Irsay should start investing resources and time from now onwards looking for the next leadership. I wouldn't mind giving more years to Steichen if the new GM leans this way.

[Superman]

5 hours ago, VikingsFanInChennai said:

Wonder who you think "The Elephant in the room" is? Or do you just want to start afresh with all new management and coaching staff and thus their new philosophy and strategy (hoping that the problem goes away)? 

 

For the record, even though I voted yes as I think the writing is crystal clear on the wall regarding Ballard, I'd be okay with 2-year (1 more year after this) plan as @chad72 suggested but the problem there is it seems an impossible task to make the AR experiment work - even at best if it works out, AR would still may be slightly above average QB with injury risk always hanging on top of the head! I don't think you win a SB going by that plan. And, one more season would be wasted doing so!

 

So, my personal opinion would be to start afresh at the end of this season and Irsay should start investing resources and time from now onwards looking for the next leadership. I wouldn't mind giving more years to Steichen if the new GM leans this way.

 

Right now there are two common denominators: Irsay and Ballard. Irsay isn't going anywhere, but I think he should hire someone else to be the chairman, to whom the GM and HC would report. 

[jimmy g]

On 10/31/2024 at 4:20 PM, #12. said:

Here's the only way I would consider Dodds.  If it were known in the front office and organization that he was at odds with Ballard on many things, if it were known, for example, he did not want Richardson,

I believe it’s been reported that Dodds wanted Richardson even before Steichen told Ballard that HE wanted Richardson.

[RollerColt]

4 minutes ago, jimmy g said:

I believe it’s been reported that Dodds wanted Richardson even before Steichen told Ballard that HE wanted Richardson.

I think it was Brown who was the first to hammer on the table for Richardson.

 

If I recall, Dodds was apprehensive at the beginning.

[RollerColt]

https://www.espn.com/nfl/story/_/id/36538498/inside-colts-draft-pick-new-quarterback-anthony-richardson
 

Quote

Even after the season, there was no consensus at Colts headquarters. Yes, momentum for Richardson was building within the organization, in part because of Brown's persistence. But assistant general manager Ed Dodds, whose voice carries great weight with Ballard, was deeply skeptical because of Richardson's inexperience and performance disparity. He had just 13 starts, completed only 53.8% percent of his attempts in 2022. His 17 touchdown passes and 2,549 passing yards weren't exactly eye-popping.

 

Quote

"I went into this thing, because of the limited résumé, like, 'What are we doing?'" Dodds said later. "There's 13 games. That's where I started."

 

[jimmy g]

21 hours ago, OLD FAN MAN said:

they are starters for the colts because he refuses to sign elite free agents, could they start for elite teams

To get Elite FA in Indy, Colts have to Way OverPay.  Otherwise, Elite FA go to better climates, more popular Cities, or lower taxed States.

[jimmy g]

3 minutes ago, RollerColt said:

https://www.espn.com/nfl/story/_/id/36538498/inside-colts-draft-pick-new-quarterback-anthony-richardson
 

 

 

Thanks! I got Brown and Dodds mixed up.  Sorry…

[bluephantom87]

 

Is this a trick question? That sub below .500 record is steadily mounting after 8 yrs on the job. We are still in qb hell while teams like the Bills (Allen), Ravens (Jackson), Chiefs (Mahomes), and Packers (Love) to name a few that moved up in Ballard's tenure to snag a franchise type qb. I still remember when the national media a few yrs back said the Colts should move up and take Justin Herbert at the time but guess what? In typical Ballard fashion he stood pat. This subpar gm wouldn't even move up 3 spots to take the polished CJ Stroud. The Steelers gave up a 6th rd pick for Fields this season while we still hold on to Sam Ehlinger as qb3. Lol

 

This is a team that had nearly a last place schedule a season ago and STILL couldn't make it to the playoffs yet Ballard chose to run back the exact same team with little to no additions. Look across the league as the top tier teams are constantly making moves to improve. Tolzien, Brissett, Hoyer, Rivers (old), Eason, Ehlinger, Wentz, Ryan (old),

Minshew, Richardson (extremely raw) and Flacco (old) represent the list of meh type qbs since Luck's departure that were believed in some way or another to be the answer either short or long term.

 

Four different HCs (not including the fiasco with the awful Josh McDaniels) with at least 3 different coordinators on offense and defense, no shutdown corner to speak of, no elite DE or TE, no true WR1, no division titles or playoff runs yet Ballard hides in plain site.

 

This reminds me of IU's former football hc Tom Allen who stuck around for about 7 or 8 seasons with lackluster results (33 - 49 overall) that garnered no bowl wins in 3 appearances yet he was loved by the local media and some devoted fans due to his ready access and likable quotes. In steps Cignetti as hc (whose from Saban's coaching tree) and now IU is 10 - 0 for the first time in its HISTORY!!! Sometimes change is needed....

[CoachLite]

I voted yes, but only if there is an alternative that is objectively better. I don't have any confidence that, if that person exists, the Colts have the capability to ascertain who that person is.

[Moosejawcolt]

On 10/31/2024 at 9:09 PM, ColtStrong2013 said:

 

Watching their game right now. The difference between their draft picks and our draft picks is they have CJ Stroud. That's literally the difference in their team right now. 

And 2 elite rush ends, a blue chip corner, great safety, blue chip LT, great wr. I could go on.

[ColtStrong2013]

1 minute ago, Moosejawcolt said:

And 2 elite rush ends, a blue chip corner, great safety, blue chip LT, great wr. I could go on.

 

great qb play elevates everyone. We have good receivers who could be great with great qb play but they’ve never had it here, and likely never will. We have a left tackle that is arguably in the same discussion (that we drafted, they did not btw). Same with right tackle. We have a hall of fame left guard. All drafted. Top tier running back- drafted. They drafted one of those ends. I think you are blatantly side stepping the statement I made and talking overall roster, which is loaded with free agents that wanted to play with Stroud. They’ve drafted pretty well, but as I still stand by my statement, the difference between our drafted players is at QB. 

[Moosejawcolt]

2 minutes ago, ColtStrong2013 said:

 

great qb play elevates everyone. We have good receivers who could be great with great qb play but they’ve never had it here, and likely never will. We have a left tackle that is arguably in the same discussion (that we drafted, they did not btw). Same with right tackle. We have a hall of fame left guard. All drafted. Top tier running back- drafted. They drafted one of those ends. I think you are blatantly side stepping the statement I made and talking overall roster, which is loaded with free agents that wanted to play with Stroud. They’ve drafted pretty well, but as I still stand by my statement, the difference between our drafted players is at QB. 

We don't have elite players at the positions that change the game. Relievers are dependant  on qb play. 

[Moosejawcolt]

3 minutes ago, ColtStrong2013 said:

 

great qb play elevates everyone. We have good receivers who could be great with great qb play but they’ve never had it here, and likely never will. We have a left tackle that is arguably in the same discussion (that we drafted, they did not btw). Same with right tackle. We have a hall of fame left guard. All drafted. Top tier running back- drafted. They drafted one of those ends. I think you are blatantly side stepping the statement I made and talking overall roster, which is loaded with free agents that wanted to play with Stroud. They’ve drafted pretty well, but as I still stand by my statement, the difference between our drafted players is at QB. 

Smith is injured all the time and would not be surprised if Colts moved on. Rainmann is injured a lot as of late m, and not sure he is the answer. 

[ColtStrong2013]

1 minute ago, Moosejawcolt said:

We don't have elite players at the positions that change the game. Relievers are dependant  on qb play. 

Elite players at those positions won’t make a difference here with the qb play that we have seen. It is what it is. Some GM’s have too qb’s fall in their lap. Some figure it out. Ballard has not. Hopefully the next guy will, but statistics make the probability not great. 

2 minutes ago, Moosejawcolt said:

Smith is injured all the time and would not be surprised if Colts moved on. Rainmann is injured a lot as of late m, and not sure he is the answer. 

A new GM could tear it all down. 🤷‍♂️ 

[Moosejawcolt]

On 11/1/2024 at 9:21 AM, Superman said:

 

Right now there are two common denominators: Irsay and Ballard. Irsay isn't going anywhere, but I think he should hire someone else to be the chairman, to whom the GM and HC would report. 

Agreed but can we trust Irsay to make the right choice?

[CoachLite]

24 minutes ago, Moosejawcolt said:

Agreed but can we trust Irsay to make the right choice?

No. Jim Irsay's heart is in the right place, but his head is nowhere to be found.

[Moosejawcolt]

3 minutes ago, CoachLite said:

No. Jim Irsay's heart is in the right place, but his head is nowhere to be found.

Ballard is a survivor. I had him pegged years ago as in over his head. It is funny but an even more glaring sign of him being  a poor GM was the Love situation. It was reported that Ballard liked love. I didn't like Love and thought he would not work out. So what happened at the draft? The  Packers moved right in front of the Colts and picked him. Instead of moving up to make sure u get your guys. He sat there and let a future franchise qb get picked right in front of him. What did the Chiefs do to get Mahonnes? They moved down in the twenties all the way to 12. The Saints wanted him, but the Chiefs tool mo chances in getting the guy they wanted. Ballard is a horrible GM. It is just another example of his utterly stubbornness in addressing holes. Much has been made of him not having a chance to replace Luck. He has had the chance but just stays pat.

[JColts72]

Most definitely. He is so overrated and is Mr. Miser with always sitting on FA money. His losing record speaks for itself. The fire him topic has been here other years too. Where is Jim for his two cents? Buying guitars?

Edited November 11 by JColts72
Add

[CoachLite]

2 minutes ago, Moosejawcolt said:

Ballard is a survivor. I had him pegged years ago as in over his head. It is funny but an even more glaring sign of him being  a poor GM was the Love situation. It was reported that Ballard liked love. I didn't like Love and thought he would not work out. So what happened at the draft? The  Packers moved right in front of the Colts and picked him. Instead of moving up to make sure u get your guys. He sat there and let a future franchise qb get picked right in front of him. What did the Chiefs do to get Mahonnes? They moved down in the twenties all the way to 12. The Saints wanted him, but the Chiefs tool mo chances in getting the guy they wanted. Ballard is a horrible GM. It is just another example of his utterly stubbornness in addressing holes. Much has been made of him not having a chance to replace Luck. He has had the chance but just stays pat.

You may be on to something. Ballard survives like a cockroach scurrying among the NFL draft debris hoping to find some pate de foie gras. All he does is make the fans sick.

[DiogoSales]

Is this even a question? Year 8, get out.

[Moosejawcolt]

On 10/30/2024 at 7:52 AM, 2006Coltsbestever said:

3 simple choices. 

Actually even posing this question after 8 years of him at the helm borders on ludicrous.

[coltsfan_canada]

Please fire him I dont think he even gets his approach. 

 

 

[bluephantom87]

On 11/10/2024 at 9:44 PM, coltsfan_canada said:

Please fire him I dont think he even gets his approach. 

 

 

 

Should've been fired on the spot for even making that statement considering his bare minimal results in eight years!!! This team is no closer to being a contender than it was when Ballard took over. Meanwhile the Lions are yet another team that has risen to SB contention during Ballard's tenure as he continues to set the standard for a .500 or below built team full of JAG type players.

[Thunderbolt]

Ballard’s philosophy of accumulating capital in the late rounds are wasteful picks. As a result of 8 years under his guidance with two playoff appearances. No division wins to show for, all losses. I wanted Bo Nix in the last draft to compete with AR. Hoping to move up to nab him, a futile  wish but did not materialize and the Broncos are going to the playoffs with a rookie QB. Yes Ballard needs to be fired Monday or Black Friday.

[hambone35]

I'd say absolutely he refuses to get intricate pieces needed. He refuses to get and spend money in free agency for key players he always spends on mediocre players no real play makers, he don't draft true talent at the positions of need! 

[Restinpeacesweetchloe]

4 minutes ago, hambone35 said:

I'd say absolutely he refuses to get intricate pieces needed. He refuses to get and spend money in free agency for key players he always spends on mediocre players no real play makers, he don't draft true talent at the positions of need! 

I don’t think it’s all talent issue. There is a culture problem also. 

36 minutes ago, Thunderbolt said:

Ballard’s philosophy of accumulating capital in the late rounds are wasteful picks. As a result of 8 years under his guidance with two playoff appearances. No division wins to show for, all losses. I wanted Bo Nix in the last draft to compete with AR. Hoping to move up to nab him, a futile  wish but did not materialize and the Broncos are going to the playoffs with a rookie QB. Yes Ballard needs to be fired Monday or Black Friday.

Lmao. No one is taking a QB that high when they just drafted one at 4. Lolz

[Restinpeacesweetchloe]

1 hour ago, bluephantom87 said:

 

Should've been fired on the spot for even making that statement considering his bare minimal results in eight years!!! This team is no closer to being a contender than it was when Ballard took over. Meanwhile the Lions are yet another team that has risen to SB contention during Ballard's tenure as he continues to set the standard for a .500 or below built team full of JAG type players.

I agree with this. Why should players care if he doesn’t even want to win 

[OLD FAN MAN]

On 10/31/2024 at 10:54 PM, Restinpeacesweetchloe said:

Colts have lots of late round picks being valuable starters 

how many of them would be starters on elite teams

[Restinpeacesweetchloe]

2 minutes ago, OLD FAN MAN said:

how many of them would be starters on elite teams

I never said they were elite talent. I have always said colts have good players and depth just not enough top end guys

[OLD FAN MAN]

Just now, Restinpeacesweetchloe said:

I never said they were elite talent. I have always said colts have good players and depth just not enough top end guys

we like them because they are colts but most of our starters are not good as our record shows