Chris Ballard and Shane Steichen likely have one last chance to lead the Indianapolis Colts to success in 2026.

Indianapolis Colts' GM Chris Ballard and head coach Shane Steichen will return for the 2026 NFL season, according to Ian Rapoport. Principal owner Carlie Irsay-Gordon will speak to the media on Monday about the decision.

The Colts will become just the sixth team since the 1970 merger to start 8-2 and miss the playoffs. This had not happened previously since the 1995 Raiders pulled it off. Considering Chris Ballard ‘s time on the GM job in Indianapolis, it is logical to wonder if ownership pulls the plug here.

Chris Ballard's nine years as Colts GM has delivered the 5th-worst winning percentage since 2000. But even without a division title and another year without the playoffs, history suggest he'll get Year 10.

Injuries on both sides of the ball certainly factored into the second-half collapse, but for GM Chris Ballard, he is wrapping up his ninth season at the helm with little to show. During that span, the Colts have had no division titles, two playoff appearances, and one playoff win. The Colts have now missed the playoffs five consecutive seasons.

According to multiple reports, the Colts have decided that head coach Shane Steichen and General Manager Chris Ballard will return for the 2026 season. Team owner Carlie Irsay-Gordon is expected to address the media about the decision on Monday.

Republican Manatee County Commissioner Amanda Ballard has filed to run for re-election to the county’s District 2 seat, seeking a second term representing much of the county’s urban core including parts of Bradenton and Palmetto.

The sale comes amid a housing market that remains tight on supply but robust in demand, particularly in walkable neighborhoods.

Mike Florio and Devin McCourty lay out why Shane Steichen and Chris Ballard are returning to the Colts next season, praising Carlie Irsay-Gordon for “gathering the information that she needs to make good decisions.

Ballard has had some tough breaks and good moments. This isn’t to say he hasn’t done anything of value for this team, but at some point, a change is needed. The last three seasons have hovered near .500.