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The Jets have put in requests for two more general manager candidates.
Jets have requested permission for GM interviews with Chiefs DPP Chris Ballard and Dolphins director of college scouting Chris Grier.
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) January 3, 2015
Ballard is a name that has popped up in a number of potential GM candidate stories across the league. He seems to be fairly highly regarded. He has been Director of Player Personnel in Kansas City the last two years during the turnaround job the Chiefs have made. Before that he spent a dozen seasons in the Bears organization as Director of Pro Scouting for a season and an Area Scout for 11 before that.
According to the Chiefs website:
During that time, Ballard helped Chicago draft Pro Bowlers Matt Forte, Johnny Knox, Charles Tillman, Tommie Harris and Nathan Vasher.
Grier is Director of College Scouting for Miami and has been with that organization since 2000. He got his start in the Patriots organization and was promoted to his current job by former Miami general manager Jeff Ireland.
Ballard seems like a potential name to watch and a potential quality candidate. His Bears ties are worth noting, though, as he is interviewing with Chicago for that team's open general manager job.