Indianapolis Colts Owner and CEO Carlie Irsay-Gordon was very clear to begin her end-of-season press conference with the media. The session took place on Monday, January 5, following the conclusion of the Colts’ 2025 season. Irsay-Gordon addressed the disappointing finish to the season and explained her reasoning for retaining head coach Shane Steichen and general manager Chris Ballard, despite the outcome.
“Giving them another opportunity means that the sense of urgency for them to deliver and perform has never been higher,” Irsay-Gordan stated.
Irsay-Gordon was very candid about the Colts’ seven-game slide at the end of the year.
“A losing streak of that nature sucks, to be honest, and it’s horrible, and I don’t think anyone is gonna say ‘yay’ that’s good.”
While Irsay-Gordon expressed ‘frustration’ over the way the season unfolded, she also expressed that the glimpse of success the Colts had to start the year was a major determining factor in the decision to keep Steichen and Ballard in place.
“We were all encouraged by our first half; we experienced a lot of progress. Which gives us optimism for the future and the direction we are heading,” Irsay-Gordon stated.
“There were moments during the season that gave me reason to believe that we can achieve sustained success under Chris and Shane’s leadership.”
Although her outlook is positive for the future, she still expressed sympathy for the fans and took accountability for what transpired throughout the 2025 season.
“I am responsible for our team’s performance and the promise that we made to be the best. Our extremely disappointing second half of the season wasn’t up to our standard, and that falls on me.”
The standard, urgency, and ability to finish despite injuries were recurring themes throughout the duration of Irsay-Gordon’s press conference.
She has made the message very clear for Steichen and Ballard moving forward, and now they must deliver.
Colts’ Owner Allowing Steichen and Ballard to Make QB Decision
GettyThe Indianapolis Colts are 70-78-1 with Chris Ballard acting as General Manager.
Among the many questions about the Colts’ future that were asked, the most important position was discussed a few separate times. While Irsay-Gordon declined to comment on her thoughts on Daniel Jones’ ability to rebound from the Achilles injury he suffered on December 7, she did comment on his inclusion in the organization this season.
“I’m going to stay in my lane when evaluating the quarterback position, but you know, I think that was something that was a great decision. It was really unfortunate what happened with Daniel. What we saw was really promising, and I think it’s up to Chris and Shane on what they want to do.”
Daniel Jones and Shane Steichen both expressed that they’d love for the quarterback to be back with the team next season in their end-of-year press conferences.
Jones also acknowledged the business side of the NFL and that he will let his representation work it out with the Colts organization.
When it comes to the financial decision, Irsay Gordon is fully committed to whatever route Ballard chooses to move in.
“We’re willing to do whatever we need to do to finish games and win, and to get back to the standard that our franchise should be upholding,” Irsay-Gordon said.
“I know Chris will make the right decision for what puts our roster in the best position to succeed.”
Whether you agree or disagree with her decisions about who is in charge of the Colts’ roster, an owner who respects and allows the people in charge to do their job is a good thing.
Will The Real Colts Please Stand Up?
Ultimately, the Colts have been in a state of purgatory for the last five seasons. Good enough to win games, but not enough to make the postseason. With no first-round picks in the next two seasons, Colts ownership is aware of the state that the team is in. There is optimism throughout the building because of what the first half of the year showed, but it remains to be seen if that was the team just punching above their weight or a flash of the true potential hiding within.
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