Today, Colts’ GM Chris Ballard celebrates his 50th birthday. The Colts should celebrate hiring him because he is clearly the right man for the job.
When the end of the 2016 season hit, it was clear moves needed to be made. The Colts were stuck in mediocrity and there needed to be changes. They were 8-8 again. So Jim Irsay decided enough was enough, and they needed to fire GM Ryan Grigson.
They went on to hire Chris Ballard as his replacement. Since then, the team has rebounded to play very well and acquire some great young players. He has built a talented offensive line, increased depth among all positions, and introduced some fierce competition.
Because of the stellar draft class he had last season, he was named Executive of the Year. He has proven that he is clearly the right man for the job and the Colts made a great decision to hire him. Making a good decision like this has accelerated the team’s rebuild.
What the Colts have done so far isn’t even necessarily a rebuild. It has been more of a reload scenario. Now that Ballard has his own coach in Frank Reich, he has been able to go after the players that best fit his system, which clearly works.
If the Colts don’t have a Super Bowl appearance in the next few years, he might face some questions. That’s because of the high standard he has set for himself. The team is so good so quickly that the fans expect higher results.
If they do get a championship soon, Ballard will be beloved by everyone in the city of Indianapolis forever.