The Indianapolis Colts don’t plan to move on from Shane Steichen at coach and Chris Ballard at general manager, team owner Jim Irsay said in a statement on Sunday.
Irsay laid out Indianapolis’ future plans following a 26-23 overtime victory over the Jacksonville Jaguars. The Colts finished the season at 8-9 and missed out on the playoffs for the fourth year in a row.
“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 said in his statement. “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. …
“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.”
Irsay acknowledged that fans who wanted a leadership change “will be disappointed” but said the team would “get back to work and keep doing what we can to earn your support and make you proud to be a Colts fan.”
Steichen, 39, just concluded his second season as the Colts’ coach and has guided Indianapolis to a 17-17 record.
Ballard, 55, has been general manager ever since the 2017 campaign.
–Field Level Media
With each team trying to inch back to the .500 mark, Georgia Tech hosts Virginia Tech in Atlantic Coast Conference play on Wednesday in Atlanta. Georgia Tech (8-11, 2-6 ACC)…
Ian Schieffelin can barely practice these days, but he expects to play for surging Clemson when the Tigers host Syracuse in Atlantic Coast Conference action on Wednesday in Clemson, S.C….
Indiana hopes to be clicking again after absorbing consecutive 25-point losses. The Hoosiers enter Wednesday’s game against Northwestern in Evanston, Ill., coming off a 77-76 overtime victory at Ohio State…
Syracuse looks to stop ‘warrior’ Ian Schieffelin, surging Clemson
Indiana seeking first win over Northwestern since ’21
Reports: Oilers’ Connor McDavid won’t appeal 3-game suspension
White Sox ink LHP Martin Perez, DFA RHP Ron Marinaccio