Pat McAfee has 5-word reaction to Colts bringing back Shane Steichen and Chris Ballard despite 8-9 end to season

The Indianapolis Colts capped off an underwhelming season with a hard-fought 26-23 win on Sunday over the struggling Jacksonville Jaguars at Lucas Oil Stadium to finish the season 8-9. It was their second losing season in three years and fourth straight without a playoff appearance.

After a positive campaign last season, the Colts were expected to improve and challenge for the AFC South title this season. However, they took a step backward, prompting speculation about the futures of head coach Shane Steichen and general manager Chris Ballard.

While some fans were keen on seeing the franchise part ways with the duo and start afresh, owner Jim Irsay has decided to exercise patience. He released a statement via the team's social media handles and confirmed that Steichen and Ballard will continue in their respective roles next season.

"I've been evaluating our entire operation, and I believe in Chris Ballard and Shane Steichen and our collective ability to make the improvements needed to take us to the next level in 2025." - Jim Irsay via X

Former Colts star Pat McAfee was seemingly not pleased about Irsay's decision. The retired punter, a noted critic of Steichen and Ballard's leadership, reposted Irsay's statement on X, then posted a sarcastic response to the owner's announcement, writing:

"It’s all gonna go great."

Pat McAfee rants about the state of the Colts under Shane Steichen and Chris Ballard

Pat McAfee is not a fan of the Colts' current leadership. Following the team's loss to the New York Giants in Week 17, which eliminated them from playoff contention, he posted a lengthy rant on X complaining about the franchise's slipping standards under Shane Steichen and Chris Ballard. He wrote:

"A blind person could see the red flags on this team.. Work ethic questions, NEVER happens on good teams.. Preparation commitment questions, NEVER happens on good teams.. Late to meetings, NEVER happens on good teams..

"Late to/skipping treatment, NEVER happens on good teams.. The franchise QB tapped out of a game.. on 3rd down.. in the red zone.. because he was tired… NEVER HAPPENED in the history of the NFL."

Steichen defended his players by claiming that punctuality isn't a trait he harps on, which stunned Colts fans.

Despite McAfee shedding light on the "red flags," Irsay is backing the head coach and the general manager to steady the ship in 2025. While they do have the owner's backing, it'll take some doing for the duo to earn McAfee and the fans' trust.