Indianapolis Colts
Indianapolis Colts
The Indianapolis Colts entered the season with playoff expectations, with Daniel Jones returning from last year’s torn Achilles. Instead, coach Shane Steichen’s team has gotten off to a 2-4 start, with their most recent loss coming in embarrassing fashion to the Tennessee Titans. Rather than looking like a team that could compete for a playoff spot, the Colts look closer to one that’s vying for a top draft pick.
The biggest issue with that idea is that the Colts don’t have their first-round pick due to last year’s all-in trade for cornerback Sauce Gardner, who has produced zero takeaways in 10 games and is now week to week with another injury.
On Monday, the Colts responded by firing long-time general manager Chris Ballard, who was in his 10th season as GM. Yet, the Colts haven’t reached the playoffs since 2020, so some would say it was time for a change in Indianapolis. Ed Dodds will be serving as the Colts’ interim GM, but who could serve as the long-term replacement? This time, it’s not Jeff Saturday.
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Indianapolis Colts Eyeing Peyton Manning as Next GM
Peyton Manning
Feb 8, 2026; Santa Clara, CA, USA; Former Super Bowl MVP Peyton Manning in attendance before Super Bowl LX between the Seattle Seahawks and the New England Patriots at Levi’s Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images Credit: IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect
This isn’t the first time the Colts have made an in-season rash decision to switch up their front office. They previously fired Frank Reich after a 3-5-1 start, only to go outside the organization and hire Jeff Saturday, who finished with a 1-7 record. Would the Colts reach outside the organization to replace Ballard immediately again? Probably not, as Dodds will be taking over right away.
However, that doesn’t mean the Colts can’t start lining up potential candidates to fill the job on a permanent basis, and it sounds like they’ve already gotten the ball rolling.
According to Dan Patrick, the Colts’ very first phone call is or will be to Hall of Fame icon Peyton Manning. But there’s no indication of whether Manning has interest in the job. Interestingly enough, the Colts could sweeten the offer by including some sort of ownership clause.
“The Colts’ first call will be/has been to Peyton Manning. The call will not only get names and suggestions but the call will explore whether or not Peyton would be interested in being a general manager for the Colts as the entry point that would include ownership interest in the Colts.”
Dan Patrick on Peyton Manning and the Indianapolis Colts
"The Colts’ first call will be/has been to Peyton Manning." — DP shares what his source has told him. https://t.co/MgTbuJIxhW
— Dan Patrick Show (@dpshow) October 19, 2026
Of course, it’s happened before. Just this past offseason, former NFL MVP Matt Ryan accepted the team president job with the Atlanta Falcons, giving him final say over roster decisions. As for Manning, he’s synonymous with the Colts franchise, and could indeed be a great fit to operate as GM too. Of course, that would likely mean the end of ESPN’s ManningCast, but that’s probably something he’s willing to give up in order to take a key position with the Colts.
It’s an enticing offer for Manning, now the next question is whether he has any actual interest.
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