New Delhi, Oct. 22 -- The Indianapolis Colts' decision to stick with Chris Ballard through multiple failed efforts to rebuild after Andrew Luck's 2019 retirement has left the franchise facing a costly reset. Ballard was fired on Monday after a 2-4 start in 2026 and a seven-game collapse to end last season. Ownership's patience, rooted in the hope that internal drafts and late roster adjustments could restore the team's path, now carries clear financial and competitive consequences.

When the Colts introduced Chris Ballard on January 30, 2017, late owner Jim Irsay expressed strong confidence. "I really feel Chris is the best candidate for general manager that has come about so far in the 21st century," Irsay said. That view shaped the year...