Ballard's teams have a combined record of 70-78-1 during his tenure and haven't been to the postseason since 2020. Only a few teams have a longer playoff drought than the Colts.
"I'm just a steward in this position," Ballard said. "I've always believed that and I'll always do the best thing for the organization -- both short and long term. That's just how I tick and how I roll. I'm grateful that I've always had a job in this league and that I have great respect for and that will never change. The fun to me is the journey."
Ballard on urgency. pic.twitter.com/THBsz8n4G4
— Mike Chappell (@mchappell51) July 28, 2026 The start to the 2025 season made it seem like things were going to be different. The Colts were 8-2 through 10 games, at the top of the AFC, and boasted one of the best offenses in football.
However, things began to unravel, and then once Daniel Jones was out for the year, control was lost. The Colts finished 8-9, losing seven consecutive games.
During this playoff drought, the Colts have often struggled down the stretch and been unable to win in those must-have-it games. In four of the last five seasons, they've finished either 9-8 or 8-9 -- average, at best.
Will this year yield different results?
On offense, the Colts are banking on continuity. Largely the same group is returning with the hope that last season's early success can be replicated and sustained. Defensively, the Colts have undergone a lot of change in an effort to get younger and faster.
There are certainly reasons to be optimistic about this year's team. Jones will be back under center, and around him is what should be a good offensive line unit and a very strong run game led by Jonathan Taylor. In the passing game, Alec Pierce, Josh Downs, and Tyler Warren will be Jones' top targets.
On defense, the Colts have what could be a top secondary unit, while Laiatu Latu continues to ascend, and inside, DeForest Buckner and Grover Stewart remain.
That said, recent history isn't on the Colts' side, and this roster faces its share of question marks as well -- pass rusher depth, the linebacker position, WR3, and what version of Jones will Indianapolis see this season are all unknowns, to varying degrees.
A difficult schedule to start the season awaits the Colts as well.
The uncertainties also extend beyond Ballard. Another failed season likely leads to turnover on the coaching staff and on the roster, with several franchise players, like DeForest Buckner, Jonathan Taylor, Grover Stewart, and Quenton Nelson, along with numerous others, all set to be free agents in 2027.
As Ballard said, the Colts need to win. These question marks will begin to disappear if that happens. But if winning doesn't come, change will.
This article originally appeared on Colts Wire: Now or never for Colts and GM Chris Ballard knows it
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