The Indianapolis Colts have been teetering on the edge for a few years now in the AFC. Players are heading into training camp, fully aware that 2025 will be a franchise-defining season.
“This is shaping up to be a pivotal training camp and season for the Colts, as it is expected to determine the future of their leadership,” ESPN’s Stephen Holder wrote. “General manager Chris Ballard and coach Shane Steichen are generally considered to be on the hot seat after late owner Jim Irsay contemplated changes after last season. Irsay passed away in May, and his three daughters are now in charge, bringing high expectations with them.
The Colts have not made the playoffs since 2020 and haven’t won a postseason game since 2018. That might need to change if Ballard and Steichen want to avoid a change in scenery. The Colts are at a bit of a crossroads after this season, with numerous key players nearing free agency and with the team scheduled to have more than $70 million in cap space next spring. Whether the current regime continues to navigate the team through those waters likely depends on the outcome of this season.”
Amid all this, the quarterback situation is a constant flashpoint. Anthony Richardson is finally healthy, but many insiders feel the team has already added Daniel Jones as a preemptive safety net. It’s an unspoken ballot on who gets the job in Week 1. Richardson must not only hold off Jones on talent alone — he needs to stay on the field.
Early reports suggest Richardson is progressing well from his offseason shoulder shutdown. But with every missed rep, the veteran QB gains ground in the camp pecking order. Every throw and every note on his accuracy is under scrutiny. One misstep now could tip the balance.
Colts Leadership Will Be Closely Monitored
Ballard and Steichen are in prove-it mode with the Colts. The GM/head coach duo were being evaluated even before Irsay passed away in May.
Now, his three daughters are calling the shots, and they’ve made it clear that results are no longer optional. The franchise has not made the playoffs since 2020, only once since Andrew Luck’s retirement in 2019.
Ballard arrived to the Colts in 2017 with high expectations after being the former president of football operations for the Kansas City Chiefs. Steichen signed a six-year contract to be Colts head coach in 2023 after a Super Bowl appearance with the Philadelphia Eagles as offensive coordinator.
Irsay Brought Ballard And Steichen Back For A Reason
The Colts are sitting on over $70 million in projected cap space for next spring. That figure is a double-edged sword. It gives franchise flexibility — but only if the current core proves it is worth building around.
In January, Irsay decided to bring both Ballard and Steichen back for a shot at redemption.
“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,” wrote Irsay.
This could very well be Ballard and Steichen’s last chance to prove themselves for the future.
The Irsay daughters have stepped into their first full year at the helm with a shatterproof focus. That means no loyalty to the GM or head coach beyond what’s earned this fall.
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