Chris Ballard Named As Indianapolis Colts' General Manager

The Colts have opted to change their General Manager relatively quite late in the hiring cycle when they dismissed Ryan Grigson on 21st January, they quickly returned to replace the vacant position instead of soul searching for too long.

Eight days after the dismissal, the Colts have hired Chris Ballard as their new GM, who was the Chiefs' director of Football Operations. He was previously believed to edge Colts vice-president of football operations Jimmy Raye III for the job, has been with the Chiefs' and Bears' organizations since 2001.

In the recent years, Ballard has interviewed for positions in Tennesse and Chicago. His name was mentioned for the opening in San Francisco too, but according to close sources, he declined the interview.

Colts owner Jim Irsay said that Chris has a solid reputation in the National Football League as a heavyweight executive and their extensive discussion with him led to the conclusion of reputation. He further said that Chris is a savvy man, organized and thorough talent evaluator, but beyond all those qualities, he is a terrific person to have in their community.

The Colts' dismissing decision of Ryan Grigson sparked a heavy amount of interest throughout the league, unlike any other General Manager openings, like the 49ers. The reason being Colts having a clear and established quarterback and several Pro-Bowl caliber players. Reciever T.Y Hilton will be representing the team at the Pro-Bowl in Orlando on Sunday night.

This hiring ends years of speculation of uncertainty in Indianapolis. While Grigson and Pagano were supposed to be working together, there seemed to be a distinct difference of opinions between the type of players Pagano and his rotating cast of offensive coordinators were required to succeed. But, due to his specialty, Colts finished 22nd in points allowed and 30th in yards allowed.

Now, in comes the new general manager Ballard, who has helped Kansas City coordinator Bob Sutton to build a dominant defense of the team. He has also looked over the department that stocked the Chiefs' cupboard at running back, offensive line and receiver for this year's 12-4 run. Since Ballard arrived back in 2013, the Chiefs haven't finished lower than second in the AFC West, which is a significant feat.