Key Takeaways from Colts GM Chris Ballard’s end-of-season press conference

Pittsburgh Steelers v Indianapolis Colts — Photo by Justin Casterline/Getty Images

On Friday morning, Indianapolis Colts general manager Chris Ballard held his annual (and league required) end-of-season press conference, after the franchise finished short of another playoff berth—following an underwhelming 8-9 record during the 2024 season.

While in the past, Ballard has insisted on his continued process, showing an air of confidence, bravado, and conviction, this may be the first time entering his 9th-year as the longtime Colts general manager where he showed a much greater willingness to change his longstanding steadfast (and arguably stubborn) approach, with a touch of humility:

Takeaways from Chris Ballard’s season-ending presser:

— The failure of 2024 has forced him to look in the mirror and admit his approach was wrong. “I’ve kicked myself for being so daggum stubborn.”

— Look for this spring to be different: more aggression in F.A, more outside…

— Zak Keefer (@zkeefer) January 10, 2025

Perhaps, that’s because 2025 is shaping up to be a ‘do-or-die’ year for him with the Colts—along with head coach Shane Steichen and quarterback Anthony Richardson, and his realization that it’s now or never—with things clearly having to change for the team to get better. The status quo simply hasn’t been good enough with no playoff berth since 2020 and no division titles dating all the way back to the 2014 season for the Colts franchise.

Here are several key takeaways from Ballard’s latest presser:

“We’re Not Close!”

Chris Ballard:

“Right now, we are not close. I want to make this really clear: Close is losing on the last play of the Super Bowl. 8-9? That’s not close.”

— Nate Atkins (@NateAtkins_) January 10, 2025

Health, Consistency, and Competition at Quarterback

#Colts GM Chris Ballard on Anthony Richardson: “I don’t think we can completely stamp it. … We knew when we took him it was gonna be a rollercoaster.”

Mentioned that AR has to stay healthy. That’s the No. 1 priority. No. 2 is consistency in his play.

— James Boyd (@RomeovilleKid) January 10, 2025

#Colts GM Chris Ballard said he thinks Anthony Richardson’s back “will be fine.”

Adds that they’ll look to bring in QB competition this offseason.

— James Boyd (@RomeovilleKid) January 10, 2025

Anthony Richardson Was ‘Drowning’ Before Benching

Chris Ballard on Anthony Richardson’s benching: “He was drowning. I didn’t feel the same poise (in him that he had shown previously). Mentally, it was really going really fast for him.”

Ballard admits part of him wishes the benching lasted longer — AR needed a longer reset.

— Zak Keefer (@zkeefer) January 10, 2025

No Back Surgery Necessary for Noted ‘Dawg’ Michael Pittman Jr.

Ballard on Michael Pittman Jr’s fractured back issue: no surgery, ‘One tough dude. Example of what you want.’

— Mike Chappell (@mchappell51) January 10, 2025

RT Braden Smith Going Through ‘Personal Issue’

On Braden Smith: going through a personal situation. No elaboration.

— Mike Chappell (@mchappell51) January 10, 2025

Other Members of Gus Bradley’s Defensive Staff Not Retained

DBs coach Ron Milus and LBs coach Richard Smith were not retained for the 2025 season, per the #Colts.

— James Boyd (@RomeovilleKid) January 10, 2025

Colts defensive assistants Richard Smith (LBs) and Ron Milus (DBs) will not be coming back, per the team.

Both are Gus Bradley disciples.

The new defensive coordinator will decide on the rest of the staff.

— Nate Atkins (@NateAtkins_) January 10, 2025

Indianpolis Colts v New England Patriots

‘Can’t Win with Distractions’ Regarding All-Pro LB Zaire Franklin

Ballard on Zaire Franklin (and podcast); Wouldn’t elaborate on private discussions. ‘But you can’t win with distractions.’ Don’t create distractions.

— Mike Chappell (@mchappell51) January 10, 2025

Colts Going to Get More Aggressive Defensively?

Small but key detail from Chris Ballard:

I asked him directly if he saw value in considering a more aggressive style of defense.

He said: “I definitely think there is value. You’ve got to be able to affect the quarterback.”

This should inform the current coordinator search.

— Stephen Holder (@HolderStephen) January 10, 2025