The Indianapolis Colts are overdue for some big changes, and there have been steady rumors indicating that general manager Chris Ballard and head coach Shane Steichen were both in the hot seat, given how poorly the team has performed this season. Neither one is particularly popular at the time, and there are calls for owner Jim Irsay to clean house and start fresh with the team.
Those people are about to be disappointed, given the statement Irsay released following the Colts' narrow victory over the Jacksonville Jaguars to close the 2024 season.
In a statement, Irsay said he does not plan to fire either Ballard or Steichen.
"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. 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 [fans] deserve. ... 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!Jim Irsay
"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.""
This is not likely to be news welcomed by any member of the Colts nation - not fans, analysts, or media. It is still early in the offseason, of course; it's literally been just hours since the Colts finished their last game. The situation very well could change. But for now, this statement is going to be make very few people happy beyond Ballard and Steichen themselves.