Chris Ballard’s Return Shows The Colts Are Fine With Mediocrity
Source: Todd Rosenberg / Getty
It is often said that the definition of insanity is doing the same thing over and over again and expecting different results.
By that definition, the Indianapolis Colts belong in the looney bin.
What else can you say after team owner Jim Irsay, mere hours after the Colts 2024 season ended with them once again missing the playoffs, released a statement of support for general manager Chris Ballard and head coach Shane Steichen and assuring that they would be back in 2025.
This will be Ballard’s 9th season at the helm in Indy, and he has almost nothing to show for it. One playoff win. Two playoff appearances. No divisional titles, when every other team in the AFC South has won it at least twice during his tenure. Under Ballard, the Colts have been stuck on the treadmill of mediocrity, and they seem dead set on staying on it.
When it comes to the Colts, the old saying really is true. “If at first you don’t succeed, try, try, try, try, try, try, try, try, try…”
There is an argument to be made that Irsay is bringing everyone back to avoid another arranged marriage like he had with Ballard and former head coach Chuck Pagano, or to not have to find a new coach and general manager that must be alright with another year of Anthony Richardson. That if a change is to be made for any of those positions, it needs to be made for all of them.
It’s just hard to ask a fanbase that has been so patient with this team to buy that argument. They’re the ones that are spending their hard-earned money to go to the games, to buy the merch, to eat the concessions at Lucas Oil Stadium. Why should they continue to spend that money on a product that isn’t just mediocre, but is seemingly fine with being mediocre. What other message does bringing back Ballard send, other than that mediocrity is acceptable?
Colts Nation, predictably, did not take the news of Ballard’s return well.
Listen to JMV’s reaction to the Colts season and the news that Ballard will be back down below, as well as his conversation with Stephen Holder from ESPN! Tune into The Ride With JMV weekdays from 3-6pm on 93.5/107.5 The Fan!
