The general manager and head coach for the Indianapolis Colts will speak to the media at the NFL Combine, on February 25th. It will be their first time addressing the media since the 2024 season ended in January.
Both Chris Ballard and Shane Steichen were criticized fiercely following the Colts' turmoil-filled season, though owner Jim Irsay elected to retain both, shocking fans and analysts alike. While it was somewhat expected that Steichen would stay as head coach, many likewise assumed that 2024 would be the end of the road for Ballard. During his eight years in Indianapolis, Ballard led the Colts to a dismal 62-69-1 record, with just two playoff berths and not a single division title.
For his part, Steichen has been criticized for his play-calling, and for seemingly being oblivious towards the state of his own team, blithely claiming that the Colts are close to being a playoff-caliber team despite all evidence indicating otherwise. Ballard, meanwhile, has insisted in his end-of-season press conference that he has learned from his mistakes, and will be changing his strategy moving forward.
The combine will be a chance for both men to prove that keeping them for another season wasn't a mistake.
#Colts GM Chris Ballard and HC Shane Steichen will speak to the media at the NFL combine next Tuesday (Feb. 25).
— James Boyd (@RomeovilleKid) February 18, 2025
One of the biggest criticisms many have leveled against Ballard is his stingy approach to free agency; instead of bringing in new players, he has prioritized retaining the players on the current roster and finding young talent in the draft.
This has left the Colts with serious problems across numerous positions, all needing more talent and more depth. While Indianapolis has a decent amount of salary cap space, Ballard may have dug himself into a hole. It will be incredibly difficult to address all of the Colts' needs with the limited amount of money available.
There are certainly plenty of questions both Steichen and Ballard will need to answer next week.