The Indianapolis Colts are entering a new chapter after parting ways with Chris Ballard. Now, the organization must find a new general manager who can build a competitive roster, make smart personnel decisions, and help bring another championship back to Indianapolis.
I’ve put together a list of nine candidates I’d like the Colts to consider. From experienced NFL executives to a familiar name in general manager discussions, each brings a different background worth examining.
1. Ray Agnew — Detroit Lions Assistant General Manager
Agnew has helped shape Detroit’s personnel operation alongside general manager Brad Holmes. His experience in player evaluation and team building makes him a candidate worth considering as Indianapolis looks for a new direction.
2. Brian Hampton — San Francisco 49ers Assistant General Manager
Hampton’s background with San Francisco includes contract negotiations, salary-cap management, and roster construction. That combination of financial and personnel experience is relevant as the Colts look to make more effective long-term roster decisions.
3. Chad Alexander — Los Angeles Chargers Assistant General Manager
Alexander has worked in personnel with the Baltimore Ravens and New York Jets before joining the Chargers. His experience across multiple organizations gives Indianapolis an opportunity to assess his scouting philosophy and approach to building a balanced roster.
4. Alec Halaby — Former Philadelphia Eagles Assistant General Manager
Halaby spent 17 years with Philadelphia before leaving the organization in April 2026. During his tenure, he developed experience in football operations, strategy, and analytics, eventually becoming assistant general manager.
His background makes him an intriguing name to consider, particularly for a team interested in incorporating analytical thinking into its personnel decisions. His current professional role has not been confirmed in the sources reviewed.
5. Josh Williams — San Francisco 49ers Director of Scouting and Football Operations
Williams works across scouting and football operations for San Francisco, including responsibilities related to player evaluation and roster management. His background makes him a candidate to examine as Indianapolis evaluates its options for improving talent acquisition.
6. Champ Kelly — Senior Vice President of Flag Football Operations, TMRW Sports
Kelly previously held NFL personnel positions with the Denver Broncos, Chicago Bears, Las Vegas Raiders, and Miami Dolphins. He also served as interim general manager with the Raiders and Dolphins.
In July 2026, Kelly joined TMRW Sports as senior vice president of flag football operations. Although he is no longer in an NFL front office, his experience across several organizations gives the Colts a former executive to evaluate if they are open to candidates working outside the league.
7. RJ Gillen — San Francisco 49ers Assistant General Manager
Gillen joined San Francisco in 2015 and advanced through scouting and personnel roles before becoming assistant general manager. His experience in player evaluation and roster construction makes him another potential candidate from the 49ers’ front office.
8. John McKay — Los Angeles Rams Assistant General Manager
McKay has developed his career within the Rams’ personnel department and serves as assistant general manager. His experience with player acquisitions, roster evaluations, and scouting makes him another name I’d like Indianapolis to examine.
9. Louis Riddick — ESPN NFL Analyst and Former NFL Personnel Executive
Louis Riddick has been a fan-favorite name in general manager discussions for years, and I want the Colts to consider him for the job.
Riddick currently works as an NFL and college football analyst for ESPN and ABC. Before joining ESPN in 2013, he worked in the front offices of Washington and Philadelphia, including serving as director of pro personnel. He also played in the NFL before transitioning into scouting and executive roles.
His combination of playing experience and front-office knowledge makes him a distinctive candidate. I’d like Indianapolis to explore his vision for roster construction and whether he would be interested in returning to an NFL executive role.
What Matters Most in the Next Hire?
The Colts’ next general manager must be judged on more than a resume. The organization needs a clear plan for the following:
Talent acquisition: Find impact players through the draft, free agency, and trades.
Defensive improvement: Address weaknesses and build greater depth across the defense.
Financial discipline: Manage contracts and the salary cap without sacrificing future flexibility.
Accountability: Make personnel decisions based on performance and the team’s long-term goals.
Championship contention: Build a roster capable of consistently competing in the AFC South and making meaningful playoff runs.
Final Thoughts
This is my personal wish list, not a confirmed list of Colts interviews. I want the Colts to explore a range of backgrounds and find the executive whose vision best fits the franchise’s needs moving forward. The next hire will play a major role in shaping the future of this franchise. The owners needs to get this decision right.
Colts fans, who would you like to see replace Chris Ballard? Would you consider one of these nine candidates, or is there another name missing from my list?