Smith Blasts Colts Owner Over Team Direction

Stephen A. Smith criticized Indianapolis Colts owner Carlie Irsay-Gordon after the team started the season 2-6.

Updated on Nov. 4, 2026 in Basketball

Photograph of an empty indoor football stadium tunnel opening onto a green field under cool overcast daylight, reflecting the quiet before a team takes the field. — Stephen A. Smith on ESPN's First Take criticized Colts owner Carlie Irsay-Gordon for not making changes after the team started 2-6, while Jeff Saturday noted she fired general manager Chris Ballard weeks earlier. AI Illustration. Upload story photo >

ESPN's Stephen A. Smith criticized Indianapolis Colts owner Carlie Irsay-Gordon on First Take for not making changes to the team. Jeff Saturday responded to Smith's remarks on air, noting that Irsay-Gordon fired general manager Chris Ballard weeks earlier.

Why it matters

The criticism centers on ownership accountability as the Colts struggle, with Smith questioning why head coach Shane Steichen has not been fired. The debate highlights how an owner who inherited the franchise from her late father, Jim Irsay, is being judged by fans and analysts alike.

The Colts are 2-6 this season, a record cited in the criticism of ownership. The extraction does not provide a comparator against prior seasons or league standings, and it does not confirm whether further coaching or front-office moves are planned.

The players

Stephen A. Smith

Stephen A. Smith is a prominent sports media personality and commentator known for his outspoken analysis on ESPN programs including First Take.

Carlie Irsay-Gordon

Carlie Irsay-Gordon is the owner of the Indianapolis Colts, having inherited the franchise from her late father, longtime owner Jim Irsay.

Jeff Saturday

Jeff Saturday is a former NFL center who has become a media figure and responded to Smith's criticism on air.

The details

Smith made his criticism on ESPN's First Take, questioning Irsay-Gordon's inaction and why Steichen remains in place. Fans on social media criticized Smith in response, and one fan pointed to the trades of Quentin Nelson and DeForrest Buckner as evidence of changes already underway.

Weeks before November 4, 2026: Irsay-Gordon fired general manager Chris Ballard.
November 4, 2026: Smith criticized Irsay-Gordon on First Take.

Season Trajectory

The criticism arrives as Irsay-Gordon manages the franchise she inherited from her father, Jim Irsay, whose tenure shaped the Colts' recent competitive history. With the team at 2-6, the debate over ownership accountability and the firing of general manager Chris Ballard bears directly on the team's direction for the rest of the season.

The ownership debate affects fantasy and betting interest in the Colts' remaining games and the team's coaching stability. Readers tracking the franchise should watch for any further personnel moves tied to the 2-6 start.

The takeaway

Ownership decisions in losing seasons often draw public scrutiny long before the results change. Watching how the Colts handle coaching and front-office questions will show whether the Ballard firing marks a broader shift.