Indianapolis Colts co-owner and CEO Carlie Irsay-Gordon stamped her authority on the team almost two weeks ago when she fired general manager Chris Ballard during his 10th season with the franchise.

The Colts are still 2-5, and with DeForest Buckner and Quenton Nelson also traded, the team appears to be looking toward a full rebuild rather than trying to salvage the 2026 season. That has only added to the questions surrounding Irsay-Gordon and the direction of the franchise.

Her presence on the sidelines during games has become another source of frustration, with fans and analysts questioning just how involved she should be. Former Indianapolis quarterback Sean Salisbury is the latest to make his feelings known.

Sean Salisbury Slams Carlie Irsay-Gordon’s Lingering Sideline Presence

During Thursday’s episode of the “Unpaved” podcast, Salisbury made it clear that he believes an owner’s place is not on the sidelines during games.

“I told you when the season started that when an owner stands on the sideline taking notes, you’re (expletive),” Salisbury said. “I know people are going to focus on men or women… I don’t care about the gender or who’s running the show on your football team.

“I do know this: if you can win, I don’t care if you’re SpongeBob SquarePants. But I do know this: it is no place for the owner to be [on the sideline]. Get your [expletive] out of the way.”

Salisbury then acknowledged that Irsay-Gordon has every right to be involved as the team’s owner, but explained why her presence on the sidelines could rub players the wrong way.

“A lot of respect for the Irsays. I get it, you’re the owner, you reserve the right to do whatever you want, but the second you come downstairs during a game, not at the end when you come down to shake hands and kiss babies… I’m telling you it was gonna be a disaster the second that started. Players do not like to feel like they’re being micro-managed,” said the former QB.

In early October, head coach Shane Steichen defended Irsay-Gordon’s presence on the sidelines, saying she had worked closely with the coaching staff for years. However, Steichen is now reportedly on the hot seat after back-to-back losing seasons following a 9-8 finish in his first year.

The 2023 hire signed a six-year contract and currently has a 27-31 record as the Colts’ head coach. Indianapolis has since fallen to 2-5, including a loss to the Tennessee Titans, who picked up their first and only win of the season.

Following Ballard’s firing, the Colts also moved quickly to trade away some of their biggest names. Three-time Pro Bowl defensive tackle Buckner was sent to the San Francisco 49ers for a 2027 fourth-round pick. The Colts also traded eight-time Pro Bowl guard Nelson to the Seattle Seahawks for a 2027 third-round pick and a 2028 fifth-round pick.

The roster shake-up may not be over. Indianapolis is reportedly willing to listen to trade interest in running back Jonathan Taylor, who has rushed for 587 yards and eight touchdowns on 140 carries this season.

Taylor ranks No. 10 among running backs with a PFN RB Impact Score of 80.8.

Wide receiver Josh Downs could also be on his way out after reportedly requesting a trade. He has 307 receiving yards on 26 catches this season, leaving Indianapolis with even more questions to answer as it reshapes its roster.