The Indianapolis Colts are reportedly eyeing a sensational move to bring Peyton Manning into their front office after firing general manager Chris Ballard.  

Ballard lost his job just a day after the team’s dismal defeat by the Tennessee Titans. He and coach Shane Steichen were already on thin ice heading into the 2026 season after last year’s woeful meltdown, when seven straight losses saw the Colts go from playoff contenders to out of the postseason entirely.

Indianapolis slipped to 2-4 with Sunday’s loss to the Titans, during which boos rained down from the stands and fans chanted ‘Fire Ballard.’

Later on Monday, reports on ‘The Dan Patrick Show’ claimed the Colts will try to lure its legendary former quarterback Manning back to Indianapolis.

‘The Colts’ first call will be/has been Peyton Manning,’ Patrick claimed. ‘The call will not only get names and suggestions, but the call will explore whether or not Peyton would be interested in being a general manager for the Colts as the entry point that would include ownership interest in the Colts. 

‘This would be the first major hire by [late owner] Jim Irsay’s [daughters], the next generation. The community would love this. The league would love this.’

The Colts are reportedly keen to bring back Peyton Manning after firing GM Chris Ballard 

Owner Carlie Irsay-Gordon fired Ballard after the team’s dismal defeat by the Tennessee Titans

Manning spent more than a decade at the Colts, leading them to Super Bowl glory in 2006

Manning, 50, spent more than a decade at the Colts, leading Indianapolis to Super Bowl glory back in 2006.

Since his retirement in 2016, the five-time MVP has founded a media company, Omaha Productions. He also hosts ‘ManningCast’ – an alternative broadcast of Monday Night Football – with his brother Eli.

Colts owner Carlie Irsay-Gordon told Ballard and Steichen back in the offseason that results had to improve quickly if they were to keep their jobs.

On Monday, her statement read: ‘I am grateful to Chris for his years of service to the Colts and for everything he poured into this organization. He cared deeply about our team and our community, and we wish Chris and his family all the best.

‘As I said at the start of the season, the sense of urgency has never been higher. Our standard is to compete for championships, and I believe a change in leadership is necessary to meet that standard.

‘Making this change during the season was a deliberate decision. 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.’

Ballard was in his 10th season as GM of the Colts and had a 72-82-1 record during his tenure, including just one playoff win in 2018. The Colts haven’t made the postseason in five straight years and already face an uphill task to do so this time around.

Coach Shane Steichen is also under huge pressure after being told he must improve results

The Colts slipped to 2-4 for the season and face an uphill task if they are to reach the playoffs

Indy became the first team since the 1995 Oakland Raiders and just the sixth since the 1970 AFL-NFL merger to start 8-2 and not make the postseason last year.

That prompted calls from furious fans for Irsay-Gordon, who took over day-to-day operations from her late father, Jim, to fire both Ballard and Steichen.

‘We have been very clear with Chris and Shane that giving them another opportunity means that the sense of urgency for them to deliver and perform has never been higher,’ Irsay-Gordon said back in January.

‘Chris and Shane are both capable of facing this challenge head on and finding a way to achieve the results our fans deserve, which is winning games, getting to the postseason and ultimately winning championships.’

Ballard doubled down on his existing Colts offense in the summer. He signed quarterback Daniel Jones to a two-year deal worth $88 million, wide receiver Alec Pierce to a four-year, $116 million deal and star running back Jonathan Taylor to a two-year, $44 million extension.