Indianapolis Colts general manager Chris Ballard and head coach Shane Steichen are returning next season. Quarterback Anthony Richardson is expected to stick around as well. Will 2025 be the trio’s last season in Indy?
It wouldn’t shock anyone if all three are elsewhere in 2026. Chris Ballard certainly hasn’t been a great general manager. Steichen has done a decent, but not outstanding, job as a head coach. Meanwhile, Richardson has struggled mightily although he has looked exciting at times.
The Colts are coming off yet another disappointing season. They finished with an 8-9 record and missed the playoffs for the fourth consecutive year. If the 2025 campaign is also a disappointment, a lot of changes could happen, especially with Ballard, Steichen, and Richardson being shown the door.
Will 2025 Be the Last Season for the Colts’ Chris Ballard, Shane Steichen, and Anthony Richardson?
Their Careers in Indy
Back in the day, the Colts had a legendary trio of general manager Bill Polian, head coach Tony Dungy, and quarterback Peyton Manning. All three Hall of Famers are loved by Colts fans. However, there’s not much love, though, for Ballard, Steichen, and Richardson.
Most fans were hoping Chris Ballard would be fired this offseason, but, of course, that wasn’t the case. Ballard has been the Colts’ general manager since 2017. During his tenure, the club has posted a lousy 62-69-1 record. They’ve made the playoffs only twice (2018 and 2020) and have failed to win any division titles.
Steichen hasn’t only been in Indy for two years. In his first season, the Colts finished 9-8 and nearly made the playoffs. That’s not bad at all for a team that started backup Gardner Minshew for most of the year. The Colts only had eight wins this past season under Steichen. While that’s nothing to get excited about, it could’ve been a lot worse.
Richardson, who the Colts drafted fourth overall in 2023, was supposed to be the team’s franchise quarterback. However, that hadn’t materialized thus far. The former Florida star played only four games as a rookie due to injury. Richardson then missed six games this season because of injuries and being temporarily benched. He completed just 47.7 percent of his passes in 2024.
What Must Happen for Them to Be Retained
The Ballard-Steichen-Richardson trio may still be around in 2026. But for that to happen, they’ll have to turn things around.
Chris Ballard has been known for being cheap and not making big splashes in free agency. Nicknamed “Bargain Bin Ballard,” he will have to change his philosophy and sign some key free agents this offseason. If he builds a team that reaches the playoffs next season, there’s a good chance he will keep his job once again.
Steichen was supposed to develop Richardson. When he was the offensive coordinator of the Philadelphia Eagles, he did a terrific job helping star quarterback Jalen Hurts. Yet, Richardson hasn’t looked like a future elite quarterback just yet. If Steichen can help Richardson improve immensely, he could return for the 2026 campaign.
Speaking of Richardson, he has the potential to become the NFL’s next great dual quarterback. He has to improve his accuracy and stay healthy. Ballard is expected to bring in someone who’ll compete with Richardson for the starting job. The competition could push Richardson to take his game to the next level. If he avoids the injury bug and elevates his game next season, he can stay in Indianapolis for many years to come.
