Colts GM Chris Ballard Talks Team's Head Coaching Situation

INDIANAPOLIS, IN — What was expected to be a press conference with the Indianapolis Colts and the team's next new head coach Josh McDaniels, turned into a solo appearance by Colts general manager Chris Ballard just hours after McDaniels withdrew from the deal. The team says they were informed Tuesday evening by New England Patriots offensive coordinator Josh McDaniels that he would not be joining the Colts.

In a Tuesday evening statement, the Indianapolis Colts said: "After agreeing to contract terms to become the Indianapolis Colts’ new head coach, New England Patriots assistant coach Josh McDaniels this evening informed us that he would not be joining our team. Although we are surprised and disappointed, we will resume our head coaching search immediately and find the right fit to lead our team and organization on and off the field. The scheduled press conference at Lucas Oil Stadium will not take place tomorrow. More information will be forthcoming."

Which brings us to Ballard's Wednesday press conference, where the the team's web writer Andrew Walker said the Colts GM began by sending his thoughts and prayers to the family and friends of Colts teammate Edwin Jackson and Uber driver Jeffrey Monroe who were killed by a drunken-driving crash Sunday morning, in hopes people would keep things in perspective right now, especially with this coaching chaos.

Walker reports Ballard then discussed the McDaniels situation, including the Tuesday evening phone call from the Patriots assistant coach, who told Ballard he had some "bad news." Walker added that Ballard said he needed a yes-or-no answer on whether McDaniels was "in or out," to which the presumed head coach said he was out.

"We're going to move forward and I wish you the best of luck,” Walker reports Ballard told McDaniels, telling the media he wants someone who is 100 percent committed.

Ballard then moved on to some good news regarding the team's quarterback Andrew Luck, saying the player is in a good place and doesn't need additional surgery on his shoulder.

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Answering the main question of "Now what?" when it comes to where the team goes from here in the search for a head coach, Walker reports Ballard said: "We have a list of candidates -- we've had them from the get go. We'll move forward with them and we will get the right leader for the Indianapolis Colts — one that believes what we believe and wants to go where we want to go. I'm very confident in this."

More details: colts.com

Photo credit: Michael Conroy/Associated Press