Colts planning to bring back Chris Ballard and Shane Steichen for next season despite collapse

rs. The decision to retain Ballard and Steichen comes as a surprise to many, as the Colts finished the season with a disappointing 9-8 record after starting off strong with a 6-2 record through the first eight games. However, Irsay-Gordon and her sisters have expressed their confidence in both Ballard and Steichen’s ability to turn things around and lead the team to success in the upcoming season.

Carlie Irsay-Gordon, the youngest daughter of Colts owner Jim Irsay, was named co-owner of the team in 2018 alongside her sisters Kalen and Casey. Since taking on a more prominent role within the organization, Irsay-Gordon has been actively involved in the decision-making process and has shown a commitment to putting the team in the best position to succeed. Her decision to keep Ballard and Steichen in their current roles reflects her belief in their leadership and vision for the team.

Chris Ballard, who was hired as the Colts’ general manager in 2017, has received praise for his work in building a young and talented roster that has shown flashes of potential. Under his leadership, the Colts have made significant strides in rebuilding the team and establishing a winning culture. Despite the disappointing finish to the season, Ballard’s track record speaks for itself, and Irsay-Gordon believes that he is the right person to continue leading the team in the right direction.

Similarly, Shane Steichen, who was promoted to head coach in 2021 after serving as the team’s offensive coordinator, has impressed Irsay-Gordon and her sisters with his leadership and strategic acumen. Steichen’s innovative offensive schemes and ability to develop young talent have not gone unnoticed, and the decision to retain him as head coach reflects the faith that the ownership group has in his ability to lead the team to success.

The Colts’ decision to retain Ballard and Steichen comes at a critical juncture for the franchise, as they look to end their playoff drought and compete for a championship in the upcoming season. With a talented roster that includes stars like quarterback Carson Wentz and running back Jonathan Taylor, the team has the pieces in place to make a run at the postseason. However, it will be up to Ballard and Steichen to put those pieces together and maximize the team’s potential.

In addition to retaining Ballard and Steichen, the Colts are expected to make some changes to their coaching staff and roster in the offseason. With several key players set to become free agents, including wide receiver T.Y. Hilton and defensive end Kemoko Turay, the team will have some tough decisions to make in terms of who to re-sign and who to let go. Additionally, the coaching staff will likely undergo some changes as well, as the team looks to address some of the issues that plagued them during the second half of the season.

One of the biggest challenges facing the Colts in the offseason will be improving their defense, which struggled mightily down the stretch and was a major factor in the team’s late-season collapse. With several key players underperforming and injuries taking their toll, the defense was unable to hold up its end of the bargain and cost the team several games in the final weeks of the season. Ballard and Steichen will need to address these issues and find ways to shore up the defense in order to give the team a chance to compete at a high level next season.

Despite the disappointment of missing the playoffs for the fifth consecutive year, there is reason for optimism within the Colts organization. With a talented roster, a committed ownership group, and a coaching staff that has shown promise, the team is in a good position to bounce back and compete for a playoff spot next season. By retaining Chris Ballard and Shane Steichen, the Colts are signaling their belief in the current direction of the team and their confidence that they have the right leadership in place to guide them to success in the future.

As the offseason progresses and the team begins to make moves to address their needs and improve the roster, Colts fans will be eagerly watching to see how things unfold. With the support of ownership and the leadership of Ballard and Steichen, there is reason to believe that the Colts can turn things around and make a push for the playoffs in the upcoming season. While there are sure to be challenges ahead, the team is poised to rise to the occasion and show that they have what it takes to compete with the best teams in the league.

In conclusion, the decision to retain Chris Ballard and Shane Steichen as general manager and head coach, respectively, reflects the faith that the Colts ownership group has in their ability to lead the team to success. Despite a disappointing finish to the season and a five-year playoff drought, there is reason for optimism within the organization, as the team looks to build on the progress they have made and compete at a high level in the upcoming season. With a talented roster, a committed ownership group, and a coaching staff that has shown promise, the Colts are in a good position to turn things around and make a push for the playoffs in the near future. As the offseason progresses and the team makes moves to address their needs and improve the roster, Colts fans can look forward to an exciting and competitive season ahead.

Read full article

Source: Yahoo Entertainment