Irsay, Ballard Have High Expectations
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As a subscriber you can listen to articles at work, in the car, or while you work out. Subscribe NowColts owner Jim Irsay did not mince words about the team’s new general manager Monday, calling Chris Ballard the "best candidate for general manager that’s come about in the 21st century." Ballard, most recently director of player personnel for the Kansas City Chiefs, says his vision is simple: "to build a winning culture that is competing for championships year in and year out."
Ballard, who had been with the Chiefs since 2013, has signed a five-year deal with the Colts. During an introductory news conference Monday, Irsay said he was attracted to "his energy, his experience, his vision."
For his part, Ballard put a big focus on accountability. "I’m probably not completely ready to be a GM," said Ballard. "I’m going to screw some things up. I’ll make mistakes, and I’ll own them."
Ballard takes over a team that has gone 8-8 and missed the playoffs the last two seasons. He succeeds Ryan Grigson, who was let go earlier this month. Irsay and Ballard have said Chuck Pagano will remain the team’s coach in 2017.
Ballard says a big focus for him is accountability.
Irsay says he chose Ballard from a strong group of candidates.