Colts sign Ballard, Reich to extensions through 2026

The Indianapolis Colts have signed general manager Chris Ballard and head coach Frank Reich to contract extensions through the 2026 campaign, the team announced Wednesday.

"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," Colts owner Jim Irsay said. "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 and Reich are entering their fourth season together after reaching the playoffs twice. They've solidified a Colts franchise that was reeling when the pair took over.

Under Ballard's leadership, the Colts have been one of the NFL's most fiscally responsible clubs. Ballard has become more aggressive recently after taking a conservative approach to talent acquisition early in his tenure, orchestrating trades for DeForest Buckner and Carson Wentz while investing big money in his offensive line.

Reich earned strong marks in 2018 after leading the Colts to nine wins over their final 10 games to earn a surprise postseason berth. He's maintained his positive reputation since then, though Reich faces a new test in 2021 with Wentz and Quenton Nelson likely to miss the beginning of the season.

Ballard arrived in Indianapolis in 2017, one year before Reich. He held on to head coach Chuck Pagano for one year before bringing in Reich, who was hired after Josh McDaniels backed out of his deal to coach the Colts.