Louis Riddick outlines the risks that the Colts could face if they trade for Nick Foles following Carson Wentz's foot injury. (1:34).WESTFIELD (Ind.) WESTFIELD, Ind. -- The Colts announced Wednesday that Jim Irsay, Colts owner, has extended the contract of Frank Reich, head coach, and Chris Ballard through the 2026 season.According to a source, Ballard's deal with Reich has been in place since June. Reich signed his contract last week.Irsay stated that "We have as good a general manager and head coach combination as there are in the NFL," in a statement. "I believe that this football team is poised for greatness, and it's due to the culture they have created during their time at the Horseshoe."Irsay, who is a constant speaker about winning multiple Super Bowls gave an indication of Reich and Ballard's contracts in March.Irsay stated that he believed there would be a golden age as the decade progressed. It is something I believe with all of my heart. It is a good idea. If you talk to league people and those who know the league, they will agree with me when they see Frank Reich and Chris Ballard. What are the expectations for them as the leaders of the team in the next decade?Ryan Grigson was replaced by Ballard as general manager in February 2017. Reich wasn't even Ballard’s first choice for head coach. Reich was not selected for the job after Josh McDaniel, the Colts' Head Coach, made a change of heart and returned to New England to serve as offensive coordinator. Ballard later admitted that he had made a mistake not including Reich on his initial list of head-coaching candidates.Because of their shared vision for how a roster should look, and the willingness to wait until it is complete, Reich and Ballard have a strong relationship.Ballard chose to build the roster slowly, rather than spending a lot of money on free agents. Some of Ballard’s most notable draft picks include guard Quenton Nelson and linebacker Darius Leonard. Right tackle Braden Smith, running back Jonathan Taylor, and linebacker Darius Leonard are just a few. Nelson was named All-Pro in his three first seasons in the NFL. Leonard was named to the All-Pro team once.Both Reich and Ballard have had almost constant issues as quarterbacks. It all started when Andrew Luck was injured in his shoulder. Then, he retired two years ago. Now Carson Wentz is out for five to twelve weeks due to a left foot injury.The Colts are 32-32 under Ballard and have reached the playoffs in two out of their four seasons. Reich is 28-20 over three seasons with Colts.
