Peyton Manning Eyed by Colts for GM Job After Chris Ballard Fired, Dan Patrick Reveals in New Video

The Indianapolis Colts fired general manager Chris Ballard on Monday following the team's 2-4 start to the season.

According to Dan Patrick, the Colts are considering former quarterback Peyton Manning for the general manager vacancy and exploring if he would be interested in the position and potentially an ownership stake down the line:

Manning, 50, has long been rumored as a target for NFL teams in either a coaching or executive role, though to this point he's favored a position in media following his playing career. Perhaps a reunion with his first NFL team, in a general manager role, could be the move that sways him.

Either way, the Colts now have a vacancy at an incredibly important position.

"Making this change during the season was a deliberate decision," team owner Carlie Irsay-Gordon said in a 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 decision to fire Ballard also means head coach Shane Steichen could be on the hot seat as well following a rough start to the 2026 season. He's just 27-30 in his fourth season on the job and has yet to lead Indy to a playoff appearance.

"Extremely disappointing," Steichen said of Sunday's loss to the previously winless Tennessee Titans. "We've got a lot to fix, and we've got to fix it in a hurry."

"We've got to give them something to cheer about," he added of the fans that booed the team during the 26-20 defeat. "I don't blame them for booing one freaking bit."

Perhaps it will be Manning that ultimately decides Steichen's future. The Hall of Famer would certainly be a splashy addition in the role.