Chiefs director of player personnel Chris Ballard. Credit: Chiefs PR
KANSAS CITY, Mo. – Chiefs director of player personnel Chris Ballard’s name has been linked in various reports to a couple of vacant general manager positions around the league.
But ultimately, the reports are speculative in nature so far.
“I haven’t been approached yet truth be told,” general manager John Dorsey said Monday.
Ballard has 14 years of experience in player personnel. He joined the Chiefs in his current position in May 2013 and works directly with Dorsey in player acquisition. Ballard also oversees the Chiefs’ college and pro scouting departments.
Ballard previously served with the Chicago Bears from 2001 to 2012 where he held the positions of director of pro scouting (2012) and Southwest area scout (2001-11).
The Bears recently cut ties with Phil Emery as general manager, and a report from ProFootballTalk.com linked Ballard to the position.
Ballard drew interest from the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in January 2014, but chose to remain in Kansas City.
Whether Ballard would do the same with future offers remains to be seen, but Dorsey won’t hold his right-hand man back from a potential general manager position.
“Anybody that knows me understands what my philosophy is and that is I don’t think you hold back an opportunity,” Dorsey said. “You don’t do that. I think the world of Chris. I think everybody knows that, but until something comes across, I don’t know yet. I haven’t received anything yet. Do I think he can handle it? I do.”
Coach Andy Reid agreed.
“Chris is a tremendous person and very sharp at what he does in the personnel side of things,” Reid said. “He and Dorse(y) work hand-in-hand. I think he has a bright future in this business and quite potentially as a general manager.”
