Chiefs make it official with Chris Ballard, new director of player personnel

John Dorsey reached into his NFC North connections for his first significant hire in the KC Chiefs front office. Chris Ballard, formerly with the Chicago Bears, is the Chiefs new director of player personnel. The move was initially reported last week.

"Chris is a tremendous talent evaluator and a great fit for our staff," Chiefs GM John Dorsey said in a statement. "He is well respected across the league, he is a remarkable person and we are pleased he decided to join us."

"This is a tremendous opportunity for me and my family," Ballard said. "I'd like to thank the Hunt family, John Dorsey and the entire Chiefs organization for welcoming me to the Kansas City community. I'm looking forward to getting started."

Ballard has been with the Bears for the last 12 years, 11 as an area scou tand one as the director of pro scouting. Prior to Chicago, Ballard coached the receivers, secondary and defense at Texas A&M from 1994-2000.

There are a few Chiefs connections. The first is Dave Toub, the Chiefs special teams coach who also came from Chicago. Then there's Al Harris, the Chiefs defensive assistant, who Ballard coached at Texas A&M. Then there's Phil Emery, the former Chiefs personnel man, who is now with the Bears and has a spot to fill in his front office.

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