INDIANAPOLIS -- The Indianapolis Colts have general manager Chris Ballard, one day after chants of "Fire Ballard" echoed through Lucas Oil Stadium during a loss to the previously winless Tennessee Titans.
Ballard, who has been on the job since 2017, was in the final year of his contract and was understood to be in a make-or-break season after statements by owner Carlie Irsay-Gordon at the end of last season.
Irsay-Gordon said Monday in a statement that she believes "a change in leadership is necessary" to meet the team's "standard to compete for championships."
"Making this change during the season was a deliberate decision," Irsay-Gordon said in her statement. "Waiting would only delay the important work that needs to begin now. We will conduct a thorough search for our next general manager and take the time necessary to identify the right leader for the future of this organization.
"I also want to be clear: this decision does not change our goals for the season. We have a lot of football in front of us, and I expect us to compete, improve, and win football games."
The Colts fell to 2-4 with Sunday's loss to the Titans, who rallied from a 13-point halftime deficit.
The Colts reached the postseason twice and finished with a winning record four times in nine-plus seasons under Ballard. Indianapolis went 4-12 in Ballard's first season in 2017, when franchise quarterback Andrew Luck did not play because of a shoulder injury.
Luck returned in 2018, leading the Colts to a 10-6 record and a playoff appearance before surprisingly retiring the following August. Ballard and the Colts have struggled to find a long-term quarterback since Luck's retirement.