Takeaways from Chris Ballard’s end-of-season press conference
Indianapolis Colts general manager Chris Ballard met with the media Tuesday, conducting his end-of-season press conference.
Ballard touched on several topics, including the disastrous season that resulted in the Colts losing the final seven games consecutively. He did take responsibility for the team’s failures in 2022, and it was refreshing to see him hold himself accountable.
He made it clear they will do “whatever it takes” to get a quarterback in the draft—if they feel that player is the future. Whether that player is in this draft remains to be seen.
Ballard also made it clear he will be leading the head coaching search but that ultimately, the decision is up to owner Jim Irsay.
Here’s a look at the notes from Ballard’s end-of-season press conference:
Opens up acknowledges failures
I'm disappointed where we're at. https://t.co/ZkvjNTQDKX
— Mike Chappell (@mchappell51) January 10, 2023
Criticism has been warranted
Ballard: "I know there's doubt. There should be. … The criticism, regarding my job and what I've done, it's warranted. But I haven't lost any confidence in what we can build here."
— Joel A. Erickson (@JoelAErickson) January 10, 2023
Changing QBs has been tough
Ballard asked about the admitted mistakes:
"When you are changing quarterbacks every year, it's tough, it's tough on the team."
— Kevin Bowen (@KBowen1070) January 10, 2023
Matt Ryan still has something left
Ballard adds he still think Matt Ryan has something left. https://t.co/3xalCnqozq
— Kevin Bowen (@KBowen1070) January 10, 2023
Underestimated continuity of the offensive line
Ballard admits he underestimated the effect the two spots he took risks at would have on the offensive line as a whole.
— Joel A. Erickson (@JoelAErickson) January 10, 2023
Gives praise to Jim Irsay
Ballard on Jim Irsay: "I love working for him. He's a good man and a good owner."
Notes they talk about everything and don't always agree. "If we're agreeing about everything, I'm not doing my job." #Colts— George Bremer (@gmbremer) January 10, 2023
'Mr. Irsay lets me do my job'
Ballard: "Mr. Irsay lets me do my job."
Says they don't agree on everything all the time.
— Joel A. Erickson (@JoelAErickson) January 10, 2023
Jeff Saturday is a HC candidate
Ballard: Jeff Saturday will be a candidate for HC spot.
— Mike Chappell (@mchappell51) January 10, 2023
Ballard voiced his concerns over hiring Saturday
#Colts GM Chris Ballard: "(Jeff Saturday) will be a candidate."
Ballard adds that he told owner Jim Irsay that hiring Saturday was "unprecedented" and had some concerns.
— James Boyd (@RomeovilleKid) January 10, 2023
Roster construction under going examination
Ballard says he will examine his approach to roster construction hard this offseason.
Still is adamant about building through the trenches.
— Kevin Bowen (@KBowen1070) January 10, 2023
Jim Irsay will make final call on head coach
Ballard won't get into head coaching candidates and names.
"I'll lead the search. Ultimately, Mr. Irsay makes the final call."
— Kevin Bowen (@KBowen1070) January 10, 2023
Understands the importance of QB
Ballard: "We understand the magnitude of where we're at in the draft, and we understand the importance of the (QB) position."
Critical aspect is getting the pick right. #Colts— George Bremer (@gmbremer) January 10, 2023
HC hiring could be long process
Ballard has twice now noted he isn't leaning offense or defense with this HC hire. "I don't care if it takes till mid-February to hire a head coach. It's about getting it right." #Colts
— George Bremer (@gmbremer) January 10, 2023
Lost competitive confidence late in the season
Chris Ballard: "Somewhere along the way, our competitive confidence … we lost it. Late in the season, when it got hard in the game, we melted down."
— Zak Keefer (@zkeefer) January 10, 2023
Whatever it takes to get the QB they want
Ballard; Move up to get a QB? 'Would move heaven and earth'' to get the right guy.
— Mike Chappell (@mchappell51) January 10, 2023
Not afraid of the struggle
#colts Ballard “I’m not afraid of the struggle. In fact I kinda get off on it.” pic.twitter.com/4MBxodW6eS
— Chris Widlic (@Chris_Widlic) January 10, 2023
Regarding the Kayvon Thibodeaux celebration
Regarding Kayvon Thibodeaux's sack celebration and the Colts' lack of a response, Ballard said he believes the offensive line's approach and tenacity sets a tone for the rest of the team. Said you protect your own, you protect your team.
— Jake Arthur (@JakeArthurNFL) January 10, 2023
Very encrouaged by Bernhard Raimann
Ballard is "very encouraged" by rookie Bernhard Raimann's development at LT. #Colts
— George Bremer (@gmbremer) January 10, 2023
Optimistic Jonathan Taylor doesn't need surgery
Jonathan Taylor had "a pretty good high ankle sprain." Will know more over the next couple weeks about whether it will require surgery. For now, Ballard is optimistic. #Colts
— George Bremer (@gmbremer) January 10, 2023
Fans deserve better
Ballard praising the fanbase's passion: "Our fans deserve better … and I'm sorry I let them down." #Colts
— George Bremer (@gmbremer) January 10, 2023
There were no discussions about internal promotion
Chris Ballard is asked if someone else on staff should have gotten a shot at the interim role.
"It never really got to that point. The discussion was Jeff."
— Nate Atkins (@NateAtkins_) January 10, 2023
Willing to pay Jonathan Taylor top money
Ballard, asked about Taylor's contract, says "When you're a special player, and special playmaker," it's right to pay a RB.
— Joel A. Erickson (@JoelAErickson) January 10, 2023
Jeff Saturday's record won't factor into decision
Ballard says Jeff Saturday's 1-7 record/historical nature of the level of play won't be a key evaluation point for him in the HC job.
— Kevin Bowen (@KBowen1070) January 10, 2023
Not a good job managing expectations
Ballard on how things got to the point Jeff Saturday stepped into a tough situation: "Ultimately, our plan for the roster wasn't good enough."
Also notes the #Colts haven't done a good job of managing realistic expectations.— George Bremer (@gmbremer) January 10, 2023
Praise for Frank Reich
Ballard: "Frank's a good man. Frank's a good football coach. He's a great teammate."
Says they still talk and text, and he believes Reich will get another chance to be HC in the NFL. #Colts— George Bremer (@gmbremer) January 10, 2023
Open to hiring a college coach
Ballard is open to college coaching options and a lack of NFL experience is not disqualifying. #Colts
— George Bremer (@gmbremer) January 10, 2023
