Skip to main content
Come Fan with UsSaturday, June 20, 2026

Buccaneers interested in Chiefs executive Chris Ballard for GM position

Tampa Bay is closing in on a new general manager.

USA TODAY Sports
James Dator
James Dator has been covering a wide range of sports for SB Nation for over a decade, with a special focus on the NFL.
SB Nation 2014 NFL Playoff Coverage

The Tampa Bay Buccaneers hired a head coach and offensive coordinator with a wealth of experience, but appear to be going in a very different direction for their vacant general manager position.

Chris Ballard of the Kansas City Chiefs is the front-runner for the job, according to Chris Mortensen of ESPN. Ballard has a total of 13 years of NFL experience, but spent 11 of these years as an area scout for the Chicago Bears. He was named director of pro scouting by the organization in 2012 before making a move to Kansas City in 2013 as director of pro personnel.

It’s a resume of sustained success, but a rapid shift in job titles should he be named general manager of the Buccaneers. It’s a departure from the team’s past, when it took eight years as director of pro personnel for former GM Mark Dominik before being named to the top job.

Tampa Bay is moving quickly after signing Lovie Smith as head coach on Wednesday, signing Jeff Tedford as offensive coordinator and now looking to fill its GM role.

More from SB Nation NFL

AFC playoff bracket | NFC playoff bracket | Expert picks

The Notebook: Boldin, Blount, Hardy poised for playoff dominance

NFL coaching carousel | Bucs hire Smith | Texans choose O’Brien

2014 NFL mock draft: Offseason planning begins for 20 teams

Death of a football player: Helmet-to-helmet hit killed Derek Sheely

See More:

More in NFL

NFL
WNFC championship game airing Sunday, June 21st from Ford Center in FriscoWNFC championship game airing Sunday, June 21st from Ford Center in Frisco
NFL

The Women’s National Football Conference Championship will air on ESPN2 this weekend.

By RJ Ochoa
From SBNationExternal Link
Which fictional quarterback would you have lead your team?Which fictional quarterback would you have lead your team?
From SBNationExternal Link
By James Dator
NFL
Best bets for 2026 NFL Offensive Rookie of the YearBest bets for 2026 NFL Offensive Rookie of the Year
NFL

There are some good longer-shot options on offensive side of ball for the NFL’s Rookie of the Year.

By Bill Williamson
NFL
Brendan Sorsby is a rare chance to get a top QB cheap, and these teams should go inBrendan Sorsby is a rare chance to get a top QB cheap, and these teams should go in
NFL

This is a no-brainer for some NFL teams.

By James Dator
NFL
Fernando Mendoza has great respect for the Raiders that came before himFernando Mendoza has great respect for the Raiders that came before him
NFL

Fernando Mendoza has great respect for the Raiders that came before him

By RJ Ochoa
NFL
Brendan Sorsby intends to enter NFL Supplemental Draft, per reportsBrendan Sorsby intends to enter NFL Supplemental Draft, per reports
NFL

Texas Tech quarterback Brendan Sorsby is entering the NFL Supplemental Draft, per reports

By Mark Schofield