Monday 30 January 2017 07:53, UK
Indianapolis Colts have appointed former Kansas City Chiefs executive Chris Ballard as their new general manager.
His appointment comes eight days after owner Jim Irsay fired Ryan Grigson.
Ballard has never previously served as a team's top decision-maker, but he comes with a long history as a scout and front-office executive.
He was hired by the Chiefs in 2013 as the director of player personnel and was promoted to director of football operations under current GM John Dorsey.
Last season, the Chiefs earned the No 2 seed in the AFC play-offs and they've been a consistent play-off contender despite not having a Pro Bowl quarterback.
Like Grigson, Ballard worked with coach Andy Reid and the move comes after most teams had already announced offseason coaching and front office changes.
Irsay has already said he expects coach Chuck Pagano to be back next season.
Ballard was chosen from a pool of six candidates, each of whom interviewed with Irsay during the week. Ballard reportedly was brought in for a second interview this weekend.
The former University of Wisconsin football player began his front office career as an area scout with the Chicago Bears. After 12 seasons in Chicago, he was hired by the Chiefs.
