Looking back on my career, each GM I’ve played under moved and operated differently. Some very behind the scenes and some very personable and outgoing. Each made bold moves and sometimes it paid off and sometimes it failed.
Specifically as Colt, Jag and Titan, each stop led to at least 1 AFC South title with a couple legit runs in the playoffs, 2 losses in the AFC Championship. Each of those GM’s were eventually fired. Division titles mean nothing. The NFL demands consistency and Championships.
Ballards vision and philosophy never panned out. The right move by the Irsay family was made today and I bet Ballard would agree. He was extended a decade opportunity that most GM’s never even sniff and showed very little for it. This decision was possibly made 3 years too late. The biggest concern I have now, is how far back has this sent the organization from truly getting onto its feet and into a model of stability and consistency? A model that is necessary in this league to actually compete at the top and a model that meets the expectations the Irsays have for the organization. Time will tell.