Colts Owner Jim Irsay Announces Decision On Coach, GM
Prior to the end of the 2024 NFL regular season, there were rumblings that Indianapolis Colts head coach Shane Steichen and general manager Chris Ballard were on the hot seat after back-to-back seasons missing the playoffs.
On Sunday, the Colts ended the year on a relatively high note with a thrilling overtime win over the rival Jacksonville Jaguars to finish 8-9 on the season. Following the game, Colts owner Jim Irsay announced his decision on Steichen's future with the team.
In an open letter to Colts fans released a short while ago, Irsay announced that Steichen and Ballard will both be returning for the 2025 season. He said that he will "never stop being optimistic" and after evaluating the operation, believes that Ballard and Steichen can take the team to the next level.
Via Colts.com:
"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," Irsay wrote. "There's a high standard in this city for our team and anyone who steps on the field wearing the Horseshoe. The expectation is to win our division and compete for championships. Just being on the doorstep of the playoffs is not the standard I expect, nor what you deserve. We understand that and always accept the challenge.
Believe me, I know you share my impatience and frustration. I know you invest your time, energy, and money into the Colts every year. More than anything, we want to reward you with division titles and playoff runs, and we've fallen short in the most painful ways possible.
But things evolve quickly in the NFL from week to week and season to season, so I will never stop being optimistic that this team can take the next step!
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.
I know fans who want an immediate change in leadership will be disappointed. That means we all have a lot to prove, so we'll get back to work and keep doing what we can to earn your support and make you proud to be a Colts fan.
ORCHARD PARK, NEW YORK - AUGUST 12: Head Coach Shane Steichen of the Indianapolis Colts looks on during the first quarter of a preseason game against the Buffalo Bills at Highmark Stadium on August 12, 2023 in Orchard Park, New York. (Photo by Bryan M. Bennett/Getty Images)
The Colts haven't made the playoffs since 2020 and have not won a playoff game since 2018. One of the main problems has been the quarterback position, which the team has struggled to nail ever since Andrew Luck's abrupt retirement several years ago.
2022 appeared to be rock bottom for the Colts as they went 4-12-1, firing head coach Frank Reich midseason.
In 2023 they hired Steichen as their head coach and drafted quarterback Anthony Richardson out of Florida in the first round of the NFL Draft. But Richardson's development has been slow and painful, going just 8-7 over two seasons and is barely completing 50-percent of his passes as a pro.
It's entirely possible that things get a bit worse in Indianapolis before they get better. But Irsay is determined to see it through with Steichen.
For now.
