โWe are very confident,โ Irsay-Gordon said.
โHaving said that, as my dad said before he passed, Chris and Shane know that they have things they need to fix. We talked about not micromanaging people but also, we have a standard here, and it hasnโt been good enough.โ
Her comments send a clear signal to fans and the Colts front office, success wonโt be measured by wins alone. Irsay-Gordon emphasized that excellence must come first.
โWinning is great, but I would even take it a step further in saying weโre really committed to being the best. And if weโre the best, we will win games. I think Chris and Shane are totally capable of doing that, and weโre confident that they can.โ
That confidence, however, is being paired with accountability. The Colts havenโt made the playoffs since 2020 and are coming off yet another inconsistent season. Quarterback Anthony Richardson, entering his third NFL season, remains a major variable. The teamโs 2023 first-round pick has shown flashes of promise but is still battling durability questions after multiple injuries, including a shoulder issue. His development in Year 3 will play a key role in determining just how secure Ballard and Steichenโs futures really are.
With Irsay-Gordon now at the helm as CEO, the Colts are operating under a far more hands-on ownership style. Sheโs frequently seen at practices and even on the sidelines during games, evaluating communication and decision-making in real time.
Her leadership marks a generational shift for the franchise.ย Along with her sisters, Irsay-Gordonย has emphasized legacy stewardship while also demonstrating that results will dictate direction. If Richardson falters or the team fails to meet expectations in the upcoming NFL season, big changes could follow.
For now, Ballard and Steichen have ownershipโs supportโbut the standard has been raised.
