The Indianapolis Colts signed general manager Chris Ballard and head coach Frank Reich to contract extensions, the team announced Wednesday.
Chris Mortensen of ESPN reported that the contract extensions for both Ballard and Reich are through the 2026 season.
BREAKING: The @Colts have signed GM Chris Ballard and head coach Frank Reich each to contract extensions through the 2026 season, per sources.
Colts owner @JimIrsay clearly in a happy place with his leaders.
Ballard was hired as GM in 2017. Reich was hired as HC in 2018.— Chris Mortensen (@mortreport) August 11, 2021
This is something that was expected to happen at some point before the 2021 regular season began. Colts owner Jim Irsay hasn’t hid his adoration for the duo that has worked together since 2018.
“In Chris Ballard and Frank Reich, we have as great a general manager – head coach combination as there is in the NFL, and I can’t tell you how proud I am to have them leading our franchise,” Irsay said in a statement. “I truly believe this football team is on the doorstep of great things, and that’s because of the culture both have cultivated in their time with the Horseshoe. Whether we are marching toward the playoffs or facing adversity, whether we are building our roster or making a difference in the community, we have the ideal leaders in Chris and Frank.”
Ballard has had some big hits in the draft, which has made up the majority of his roster-building philosophy. He’s drafted All-Pros Quenton Nelson and Darius Leonard while pulling the trigger to trade for an All-Pro in DeForest Buckner.
Reich has been a great leader for the Colts ever since he took the job in 2018. He has a unique way of connecting to his players while possessing one of the best offensive minds in the league.
The Colts have built a solid foundation since Ballard took over and Reich has been leading the team. Now, they will continue building towards their goal with the security of knowing their future is stable for the next six years.
