Ballard and Reich Extended through 2026
 

The Colts just announced that Ballard and Reich have been extended through the 2026 season:

https://www.colts.com/news/chris-bal...2026-jim-irsay

Outstanding news in my opinion. Not sure why Irsay always has to tie the GM and head coach together on this sort of thing, but not complaining here.

Two most important jobs on the team. Glad we have long term stability.

Agree. This is fantastic news. Stability, consistency, loyalty, all good things to bring to the draft room, sideline, and locker room.

I like it. I'm slightly less sold on Reich than I am Ballard, but that's only because I'm completely sold on Ballard.

Agreed, Ballard is (at least) a top 5 GM in my opinion. This ensures that the Colts will be in good hands for the foreseeable future.

I like them both, well deserved. For sure Ballard is a top 5 GM, no doubt about it. Reich has done a hell of a job considering he had a different QB every year. Great job Irsay.

So glad we didn't get McDouche.

Now get to winning.

The GM/HC is a partnership. These two work well within the system that has been created by them. They have their egos under control, have figured out the salary cap/ talent spread, and no one has heard any internal bitching. Everything stays in house. They are partners, and are being rewarded for both their efforts in a common goal. You wont hear Reich bitching about choosing the groceries, he has a voice in the process.

Star article

https://www.indystar.com/story/sport...ch/5568225001/

Its really good.

More evidence that the Colts are in good hands for the next several years. Survey of NFL agents by the Athletic results in Ballard being identified as (1) the best GM overall, (2) best talent evaluator among GMs/front office leaders, and (3) tied for second as most trustworthy GM/front office leader:

Here's the article if you are a subscriber (the article covers many other survey questions other than those mentioned above):

https://theathletic.com/2762455/2021...ustworthy-gms/

Here's a summary by Stampede Blue if you are not a subscriber:

https://www.stampedeblue.com/2021/8/...-of-nfl-agents

Now, I suppose you could argue that having all the agents like you might suggest you're a pushover or something like that, but if you look at the contracts that Ballard's negotiated I really don't think that narrative is borne out.