Bears to interview Chiefs' Ballard for GM post

The Bears will interview one of their primary general manager candidates, Kansas City Chiefs director of player personnel Chris Ballard, Friday or Saturday. Prior to his present position, Ballard spent 12 years with Bears, 11 as an area scout (Southwest region). In 2012 Ballard was the Bears' director of pro scouting in Phil Emery's first year as G.M.

But Baltimore Ravens assistant general manager Eric DeCosta, who has been the hottest G.M. candidate the past couple years, declined the opportunity to interview with the Bears or the New York Jets. DeCosta is staying in Baltimore, as expected.

Doug Marrone, who exercised an opt-out clause in his contract as the Buffalo Bills head coach, is also considered a person of interest by the Bears. But it is believed he could soon be hired as the Jets next head coach, replacing Rex Ryan.

Marrone was 15-17 in his two years with the Bills and 25-25 at Syracuse prior to that.

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