Colts' Irsay: 'I Believe in' HC Shane Steichen, GM Chris Ballard Despite 8-9 Record

Indianapolis Colts owner Jim Irsay expressed his support for head coach Shane Steichen as well as general manager Chris Ballard in a statement posted to X on Sunday.

"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," Irsay said.

The Colts missed the playoffs for the fourth consecutive season and their second straight year under Steichen in 2024, finishing with a record of 8-9.

Indianapolis was still in the mix in the AFC playoff hunt entering Week 17, but a 45-33 loss to the New York Giants officially put an end to its postseason hopes. The Giants entered the contest with a 2-13 record.

Expectations were high for the Colts entering the year, as they were able to finish their 2023 campaign at 9-8 despite quarterback Anthony Richardson undergoing season-ending shoulder surgery after appearing in just four games as a rookie.

Steichen's offense took a slight step back this season, averaging 334.8 yards and 22.2 points per game after finishing with 336.8 yards and 23.3 points per game in 2023.

Richardson was benched in favor of veteran Joe Flacco during the season after the second-year passer admitted that he took himself out of a game due to fatigue. The 22-year-old was eventually inserted back into the first-string offense, though.

Ballard has served as Indianapolis' general manager since 2017, with the team owning a 61-69-1 record throughout his tenure.

Zak Keefer and James Boyd of The Athletic previously spoke to an anonymous Colts player who discussed the team's internal issues.

"There's no vision," the player said. "From the top down—from the front office, to the coaches, to the players—no one is ever on the same page, and every year at the end, we're sitting here losing."

As Indianapolis attempts to bounce back in 2025, Irsay doesn't seem to be considering a change at head coach or general manager.