The Indianapolis Colts offseason began with frustration spilling over, as owner Carlie Irsay-Gordon addressed the media in an end of season press conference that quickly went viral for all the wrong reasons.
Following a disastrous seven game losing streak to close out the year, many fans expected sweeping changes within the organization. Instead, Irsay Gordon confirmed that head coach Shane Steichen and general manager Chris Ballard will both return for the 2026 season, a decision that sparked immediate backlash.
The Colts began the year with promise, jumping out to an 8–2 record and appearing to be one of the AFC’s emerging contenders. That optimism vanished quickly as injuries and inconsistency derailed the season. Quarterback Daniel Jones suffered a torn Achilles in Week 14 against the Jacksonville Jaguars, effectively ending his breakout campaign and leaving Indianapolis scrambling for answers under center.
In a desperate move, the Colts turned to 44 year old Philip Rivers, who came out of retirement in hopes of stabilizing the offense. The experiment failed to produce the miracle turnaround fans were hoping for, and the losses continued to pile up.
By the time Irsay Gordon took the podium, emotions among the fanbase were already boiling over. Her calm and measured tone only added fuel to the fire. While she acknowledged being “pissed” about the way the season ended, many fans felt her message lacked urgency and accountability.
According to ESPN analyst Benjamin Solak, the 2025 Colts became the first team in Super Bowl era history to finish with a losing record after being six games above .500 at any point in the season. The collapse was historic, and fans expected leadership changes to follow.
Instead, Irsay Gordon defended the progress she believes the organization has made. That defense was not well received.
Social media reaction was swift and brutal. Fans accused ownership of settling for mediocrity and prioritizing ticket sales over championships. One frustrated supporter called the press conference “a complete disaster,” while another admitted hearing Ballard would remain in charge “destroyed any remaining hope.”
The numbers do little to inspire confidence. Under Ballard’s leadership, the Colts are now 70–78–1 across nine seasons. The franchise has managed just two playoff appearances, one postseason win, and zero AFC South division titles during that span. The current playoff drought has stretched to five consecutive seasons.
Steichen’s record as head coach stands at 25–26, leaving many to question what progress ownership is seeing that fans are not. Despite flashes of competitiveness, the Colts have failed to establish themselves as a consistent threat in the AFC.
Irsay Gordon framed the decision as a belief in continuity, insisting that the foundation is stronger than the results suggest. However, critics argue that patience has already worn thin and that the organization is stuck in a cycle of near misses and false starts.
By choosing to “run it back,” Irsay Gordon is taking a significant gamble. Few coaches and general managers are afforded this many chances without delivering tangible success. The 2026 season now looms as a make or break year for both Steichen and Ballard.
If the Colts fail to rebound, pressure will intensify not only on the coaching staff and front office, but also on ownership itself. Fans have made it clear that they are no longer willing to accept explanations without results.
Elsewhere in the sports world, emotional homecomings are reminding fans what genuine connection looks like. In Dallas, Luka Doncic returned for the first time since being traded to the Los Angeles Lakers, delivering a stunning 45 point performance against the Dallas Mavericks.
Despite wearing the colors of the visiting team, Doncic was met with a standing ovation. The Mavericks honored him with tribute videos and arena wide displays reading “Hvala za vse,” a Slovenian phrase meaning “thank you for everything.” The moment highlighted the stark contrast between a franchise embracing accountability and appreciation, and one struggling to inspire belief.
For the Colts, belief is in short supply. Carlie Irsay Gordon’s press conference may have been intended to project confidence and stability, but instead it underscored just how far the organization feels from true contention.
As the offseason unfolds, all eyes will remain on Indianapolis. The risk has been taken. Now the results must follow.
