The Kansas City Chiefs announced Tuesday that the club has hired Chris Ballard to serve as the team's director of player personnel.
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"Chris is a tremendous talent evaluator and a great fit for our staff," Chiefs general manager John Dorsey said in a team release. "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."
The former Chicago Bears personnel staff member spent 12 seasons with Chicago, including one season as the director of pro scouting (2012). He spent the previous 11 seasons as the Bears Southwest area scout (2001-11). During that time, Ballard helped Chicago draft Pro Bowl players Matt Forte, Johnny Knox, Charles Tillman, Tommie Harris and Nathan Vasher.
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Prior to his time with the Bears, Ballard spent seven seasons as a coach at Texas A&M-Kingsville (1994-2000). Ballard started his coaching career in 1994 tutoring the wide receivers. From 1995-99 he was the secondary coach. In his final season at Texas A&M-Kingsville, Ballard served as defensive coordinator. During his time with the Javelinas, Ballard helped mentor future NFL players including current Chiefs defensive assistant/secondary coach Al Harris.
Ballard played football for four years at the University of Wisconsin-Madison. He and his wife, Kristin, have five children.
