INDIANAPOLIS – A rebuild was a must and the Chiefs wasted little time getting it done.
When the Chiefs hired Chris Ballard, as their director of player personnel, following the 2012 season, they had just gone 2-14 and held the No. 1 overall pick.
Without a sure fire obvious No. 1 choice waiting for the Chiefs (they took offensive tackle Eric Fisher), a slow start to the rebuild was expected.
The Chiefs were working at a different pace though.
Behind a roster overhaul that saw 30 new players on it by the end of 2013, the Chiefs improved by nine wins and began an impressive four-year run with three playoff appearances.
In Ballard's four seasons with the Chiefs, Kansas City won 43 games, the fourth most in the NFL during that span.
"You will see a relentless worker with a big personality," Chiefs head coach Andy Reid said of Ballard after Sunday's Pro Bowl. "Somebody that will bring energy within that organization and a be a big contributor that way."
Under Kansas City GM John Dorsey, the Chiefs have constructed an extremely balanced roster with 15 Pro Bowlers the last four years.
"John Dorsey has coached (Ballard) up and they've worked very well together," Reid says. "And we've had a lot of success."
One of the more impressive notes on the recent run of Pro Bowlers in Kansas City comes from where some of those guys were drafted.
Of the four Pro Bowlers the Chiefs have drafted since 2013, one was a third-round pick (TE-Travis Kelce) and two were fifth-round selections (WR/KR-Tyreek Hill, LB-D.J. Alexander).
The Chiefs have still found quality talent, despite not picking at the top of every round.
Part of Ballard's role in Kansas City the last two years included overseeing the college scouting department (along with the pro side of things, too).
"I'm thrilled for Chris and his family," Dorsey says. "Beyond football, the Colts are getting a good man. I've enjoyed our friendship over the last four years together. I wish him the best moving forward."
One aspect the Chiefs believe will be seamless in Ballard's next move is his relationship with Chuck Pagano.
A former collegiate assistant coach, Ballard is known for his ability to relate to coaches.
"He and Chuck will hit it off," Reid says. "I'm all in with Chris and we will miss him. He's been a big part of our thing.
"The Colts are right there, so this will be a nice addition."
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