I think there are 2 choices here that make sense. One is what most of the fans want, while the other is what the most stable, consistently good franchises do.

1) Burn it all down. If you're firing Ballard, fire Steichen, and trade AR for what you can get. Ballard got saddled with a coach he didn't hir in his first season, and no head coach Ballard has had hired their own DC. This is an entirely clean slate for a new front office to go out and build what they believe to be a competitive team. They'll have to solve the QB problem, but there are solutions available.

2) Run it back with the same group one more time. Maybe Gus Bradley gets fired, but mostly keep the front office and coaching staff in tact. Bring in a DC Steichen wants that has a vision to compliment his offense, let that DC hire his own position coaches if he so chooses, and see if AR can develop into that franchise guy with a full offseason of being able to develop his passing rather than rehabbing his shoulder and a full training camp to learn what he needs to learn to grow and develop in this offense.

The first option is the option most Colts fans seem to want, but it reminds me of something the Browns, Panthers, or Jaguars would do. The second option is the one that would lead to incessant bitching from the fanbase, but is more reminiscent of what the Ravens, Steelers, or Eagles would do. I'd rather be in line with that second group of franchises.

That is my thinking. Yes, a lot of fans will light the torches and get out the pitchforks, but if it pans out, they will return. If the instability rules, who knows when stability will return and we return to a serious contender.

That said, if Ballard can't get the QB situation solved, and we don't get a DC who can elevate the talent there, I will bring the lighter fluid and pitchfork sharpener.

Ballard isn't even close to being in the same league as Eric DeCosta or Howie Roseman.

Ballard is in a league of one, his own ego is the only league there is.

FUCKING FIRE CHRIS BALLARD!

As much as my gut tells me otherwise, I just think they have to give AR one more year.

I think a good franchise would do so.

What they do around him, I have no idea.

Most likely scenario is Gus Bradley is cut loose. I don't think it's the scheme, necessarily, because other teams employ similar schemes to good effect. But the other coaching aspects, like weekly prep and motivation and actual gameday play calling were not there. Accountability issues due to being a nice guy could also be an issue.

I would expect Ballard and Steichen to return. I don't think Steichen has proven to be a liability. The main thing I worry about with Steichen is A.) Richardson, to the extent he's saddled to him even if he doesn't work out. B.) IF the accountability stuff is true. That's a coaching thing. However it's delegated, that's the HC. If position coaches aren't making sure guys are showing up/giving effort, that goes to the HC.

Insofar as any of that shit is true. If so, my guess would be the defense has more culprits.

Could be wrong, but I'd be more surprised if we didn't have full blown suicide watch this off-season because Ballard stays. If they let him go, he'll get picked up fairly quickly. You can believe the reason for that is because he's a trickster, or you can believe it's for a legitimate reason. I think ownership knows that, which is why I tend to think he stays.

I just listened to the Mike Cappell interview on JMV's Friday show again. For like the fifth time. The sadness and apprehension in his voice and response tells me that, definitely, Ballard, Steichen, and AR will be back next season. Gus is probably gone.
Prepare yourselves, super-angry posters.

Yep, that's how it will go down...unless, somebody pissed in an Irsay drink during these cordial visits and rides himself out of town.

Better sign a decent backup QB, that pussy might not make it to training camp

That's why I said one more time. I think if Ballard, Steichen, and AR are brought back, you make it clear to all of them that 2025 is make or break. Either AR becomes the guy and this team at the very least makes the playoffs, preferably wins the division and has a deep playoff run, or they're all gone next year. I think Ballard is generally a very good talent evaluator, but if you can't get the QB position right in the NFL, you can't stay a GM.