INDIANAPOLIS – The Colts hope another Ballard can help Indianapolis go get a Super Bowl.
This "Ballard" isn't the mayor of a city trying to earn a Super Bowl bid, but he is going to play a pivotal role in trying to help the Colts get back to the pinnacle of the NFL.
On Sunday evening, Jim Irsay hired Chris Ballard as the new general manager of the Indianapolis Colts.
Ballard comes to the Colts after four years with the Chiefs, where he helped Kansas City go from 2-14 in 2012 to four straight seasons of at least nine wins.
"I am extremely excited to welcome Chris Ballard as our general manager," Irsay said in a team release. "Chris has a solid reputation throughout the National Football League as a heavyweight executive and our extensive discussions with him confirmed that reputation. He's a savvy, organized, and thorough talent evaluator, but beyond that, he's a terrific person our community will be proud of."
With Ballard being promoted from the Chiefs' director of personnel to the their director of football operations two years ago, Kansas City has seen rapid improvements, particularly on the defensive side of the ball.
Kansas City was 25th in points allowed per game in 2012. Since, they've ranked in the top ten each year (7th, 3rd, 2nd and 5th).
A building of such a defense would be welcomed in Indianapolis.
"I am so thankful to Mr. Irsay and his entire family for this opportunity to join the Colts organization," Ballard said through the Colts of his first NFL general manager job.
"I appreciate everyone who has been involved in the search process. I look forward to working with Chuck and his staff, the personnel staff, and all the outstanding Colts employees. My wife Kristen and our children cannot wait to get to Indianapolis and become active members of the community."
Colts fans will get to hear from Ballard on Monday, during an introductory press conference.
In scouring through Ballard's bio, those will find a coaching background prior to his long tenure as a scout.
Ballard was a college assistant coach for seven years, before diving into the scouting world.
That side of Ballard should only help him in his first experience as a GM.
Some of Ballard's earliest, and likely most important, work in Indianapolis will be sitting down with Chuck Pagano and evaluating how the Colts will handle the 2017 offseason.
"I am extremely excited about Chris coming on as our general manager," Pagano said in the team release announcing the hiring of Ballard.
"He brings a wealth of knowledge and a ton of experience to the organization. I'm looking forward to rolling up our sleeves and going to work alongside him."
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