What happened: Ballard said he is entering the final year of his contract and declared, "We need to win." He said his contract status will not affect decisions on potential player extensions.

Why it matters: The Indianapolis Colts have one postseason victory during Ballard's tenure, recorded in 2018. Another missed playoff berth would deepen scrutiny of the club's leadership after five straight seasons without a postseason appearance.

What to watch: The 2026 season will determine whether Ballard's tenure extends beyond the final year of his deal.