Indianapolis Colts Owner Jim Irsay Intends to Bring Back Longtime General Manager Chris Ballard and Coach Shane Steichen for Another Season
In a move that is expected to bring stability and continuity to the Indianapolis Colts organization, owner Jim has announced his intention to bring back longtime general manager Chris Ballard and coach Shane for another season. This decision comes after a tumultuous 2023 season, which saw the Colts struggle to find consistency and ultimately miss the playoffs.
_Ballard’s Tenure_
Chris Ballard has been the general manager of the Colts since 2017, and has been instrumental in shaping the team’s roster and personnel decisions. During his tenure, the Colts have experienced a mix of success and failure, including a trip to the playoffs in 2018 and a disastrous 2022 season that saw the team finish with a 4-12-1 record.
Despite the ups and downs, Irsay has consistently expressed his support for Ballard, and has praised his ability to identify and develop talent. “Chris is a great general manager, and I have every confidence in his ability to build a winning team,” Irsay said in a statement.
_Steichen’s First Season_
Shane Steichen, on the other hand, is entering his second season as the head coach of the Colts. Steichen was hired in 2023, after serving as the offensive coordinator for the Philadelphia Eagles. Despite a rocky first season, which saw the Colts struggle to find consistency on offense and defense, Irsay is committed to giving Steichen another chance to prove himself.
“Shane is a talented young coach, and I believe he has the potential to be a great leader for our team,” Irsay said. “I’m excited to see what he can do in his second season, and I’m confident that he will make the necessary adjustments to get us back on track.”
_What’s Next for the Colts_
With Ballard and Steichen returning, the Colts will now focus on addressing their roster needs and making the necessary moves to become a competitive team in 2024. The team has several key players set to become free agents, including quarterback Matt Ryan and wide receiver Parris Campbell, and will need to make decisions on whether to re-sign them or pursue other options.
The Colts will also have a high draft pick in the 2024 NFL Draft, which they can use to address their needs on both sides of the ball. With a strong draft class and some savvy free agent signings, the Colts could be poised to make a significant leap forward in 2024.
_Conclusion_
The decision to bring back Chris Ballard and Shane Steichen is a vote of confidence in the Colts’ leadership, and a sign that the team is committed to stability and continuity. While there are still many questions surrounding the team’s roster and personnel, Irsay’s announcement is a positive step forward for the Colts, and a sign that the team is ready to move forward and compete in 2024.
About The Author
