KANSAS CITY, Mo. – Current director of player personnel Chris Ballard is staying with the Chiefs, a team spokesman confirmed Thursday morning via email.
In recent weeks, Ballard was reportedly the leading candidate for the vacant general manager position with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.
Photo credit: Kansas City Chiefs
A potential move to Tampa would’ve reunited him with Lovie Smith, whom the Buccaneers hired as its new head coach on Jan. 2.
Ballard joined the Chiefs in May 2013. He works directly with general manager John Dorsey surrounding player acquisition, while overseeing the college and pro scouting departments, according to Ballard’s official bio.
He previously spent 12 years with the Chicago Bears where he worked with Smith, then-head coach of the Bears.
While in Chicago, Ballard initially worked as the Southwest area scout (2001-11), and then as the director of pro scouting (2012).
According to Ballard’s official bio, he assisted Chicago in the drafting of notable Pro Bowl players, including running back Matt Forte, cornerback Charles Tillman, defensive tackle Tommie Harris, cornerback Nathan Vasher, defensive tackle Henry Melton and wide receiver Johnny Knox.
Ballard was also involved in bringing wide receiver Brandon Marshall to Chicago.
