Colts fire GM Ballard after home loss to Titans, cite 'necessary' change

The Indianapolis Colts have fired general manager Chris Ballard.

The Colts announced the decision Monday, one day after a home loss to the previously winless Tennessee Titans.

Colts owner and CEP Carlie Irsay-Gordon said 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.