The Indianapolis Colts fired general manager Chris Ballard on Monday, team co-owner Carlie Irsay-Gordon announced.

Ballard had made the team's personnel decisions since 2017.

The move came one day after the Colts blew a 13-point halftime lead.

They lost 26-20 to the previously winless Tennessee Titans.

Home fans booed throughout the second half, chanted "Fire Ballard" and left early.

Irsay-Gordon said in a statement that the decision could not wait until the offseason.

She said the team's standard is to compete for championships.

She added that a change in leadership was needed to meet it.

She said waiting would only delay important work that needs to begin now.

She added that a thorough search for Ballard's successor has already begun.

The Colts are 2-4 and have not won the AFC South since 2014, the longest title drought in the division.

Ballard overhauled the defense in the offseason.

However, Indy allowed 1,029 yards in its first two games, the second-highest two-game total in league history.

After Sunday's loss, coach Shane Steichen said he did not blame fans for booing.

Defensive tackle DeForest Buckner said he was sick and tired of the same song and dance every year.

Ballard's tenure included Andrew Luck's sudden retirement in 2019.

It also included seven straight season openers with a different quarterback.

The Colts' last playoff appearance came in 2020.

The decision to draft quarterback Anthony Richardson with the No. 4 pick in 2023 may ultimately have cost Ballard his job.

Irsay-Gordon said the change does not alter the team's goals for the season.

Indy visits unbeaten Minnesota next weekend.