INDIANAPOLIS — Jim Irsay, the owner of the Indianapolis Colts, has expressed his own frustrations regarding the team’s consecutive failures to make the playoffs for the fourth year in a row. Despite the disappointment, he is not inclined to initiate a complete overhaul of the team’s leadership.
Following the Colts’ season-ending victory over the Jacksonville Jaguars, which ended with a score of 26-23 in overtime, Irsay put to rest rumors concerning potential offseason changes. He revealed in a letter addressed to fans that he intends for longtime general manager Chris Ballard and head coach Shane Steichen to return for the next season.
In his letter, Irsay asserted, “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.” He acknowledged that fans seeking immediate changes in leadership might feel let down, expressing a commitment to work hard and earn the continued support of the fanbase.
This announcement stifles the speculation surrounding a potential major overhaul following another unsatisfactory end to the season. The Colts concluded with an 8-9 record, ensuring their absence from the playoffs for a fourth consecutive season. Fans have voiced their desires for change, particularly targeting defensive coordinator Gus Bradley early in the season. Increased pressure has also fallen on Steichen and Ballard, particularly following a damaging loss against Denver and another playoff-eliminating defeat at the hands of the New York Giants.
Former Colts punter Pat McAfee made headlines by announcing he would not renew his season tickets, suggesting a lack of standards for the players and coaching staff. Many fans supported McAfee’s sentiments, urging Irsay to take action, evidenced by chants of “Fire Ballard” during the fourth quarter of the recent game.
During Ballard’s eight-year tenure as general manager, the Colts have only made the playoffs twice and secured just one playoff victory. The team has now experienced a decade-long drought without an AFC South division title, lagging behind the three other teams in their division that have each claimed at least two titles during that period.
Reflecting on the disappointment of the season, Irsay wrote, “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.” He acknowledged the high expectations within the city for anyone representing the team and expressed the desire to reward the fanbase for their investment.
The Colts’ recent history has been marked by critical moments that have led to their downfall. In the game against Denver, a Pro Bowl running back dropped the ball just shy of the goal line, resulting in a missed opportunity for a touchdown. Additionally, in the loss to the Giants, the defense allowed an alarming 45 points to a struggling offense. Last season’s final game saw a dropped pass cost the Colts a crucial game against the Texans, while a disastrous loss to Jacksonville the year prior similarly dashed playoff hopes.
Nonetheless, Irsay has chosen to retain Ballard and Steichen to continue their work with Anthony Richardson, the promising 22-year-old quarterback selected fourth overall in the 2023 draft. Despite showing flashes of potential when healthy, Richardson’s accuracy has come under scrutiny, as he completed only 47.7% of his passes this season.
Coach Steichen, who has a balanced record of 17-17 in his two seasons, is eager to further develop Richardson. “Obviously, I love being the head football coach here, love everything about it, love this team,” he declared while acknowledging an upcoming evaluation period.
Knowing Irsay’s expectations moving forward, both Steichen and Ballard are aware that the standard is to win the division and contend for championships. “Just being on the doorstep of the playoffs is not the standard I expect, nor what you deserve,” Irsay stated.
