Indianapolis Colts GM Chris Ballard faces final contract year, vows to focus on winning

General manager Chris Ballard entered the 2025 preseason aware that it is his last year under the current ten‑year contract with the Indianapolis Colts. When asked about a possible extension, Ballard replied, “No, I wouldn’t do one. I’m in the last year of my deal. We need to win.”

Ballard’s tenure has produced a 70‑78‑1 regular‑season record, two playoff berths and a single postseason win, but the club has not reached the playoffs in five consecutive seasons—the longest drought in more than three decades. The pressure to reverse that trend is heightened by a recent stretch of injuries that derailed the team’s early‑season momentum. Quarterback Daniel Jones, retained on a two‑year, $88 million contract after returning from an Achilles injury, remains the focal point of the offense.

Owner Carlie Irsay‑Gordon continues to give Ballard autonomy, but the GM’s future hinges on the Colts’ ability to break the playoff streak and contend for an AFC South title.