Colts coach Shane Steichen, GM Chris Ballard to return in 2026 - ESPN

HOUSTON — The Indianapolis Colts lost their final seven games to complete a historic collapse after an 8-2 start.

But the team's ownership has decided not to make significant changes, with the Colts announcing less than three hours after a season-ending loss to the Houston Texans that general manager Chris Ballard and coach Shane Steichen will return for the 2026 season.

There had been speculation about the men's futures given the Colts' recent track record, with the team not having won the AFC South since 2014 and missing the playoffs for five straight seasons. Ballard, who just completed his ninth season, has been most scrutinized because of his 70-78-1 record as GM.

But organizationally, the Colts are moving forward steadfastly with a firm plan, according to multiple sources. The intent is to retain injured quarterback Daniel Jones — whose fractured fibula and subsequent ruptured Achilles initiated the Colts' slide — and getting star players like cornerback Sauce Gardner and defensive tackle DeForest Buckner back on the field. Jones will be a free agent in March but is expected to be re-signed.

Ownership, led by CEO Carlie Irsay-Gordon, has endorsed the plan in recent weeks, sources said. Irsay-Gordon will address reporters Monday, according to the Colts.

At full strength, the Colts enjoyed the best record in the NFL and were performing at historic levels on offense before falling apart in the second half of the season. They had the NFL's top offense, its leading rusher (Jonathan Taylor) and biggest point differential through 10 games.

But the Colts have nothing to show for it. Indianapolis finished 8-9 this season, becoming the first team in NFL history to reach six games over .500 and ultimately finish with a losing