Niners, Colts name new top execs to rebuild clubs

SAN FRANCISCO: John Lynch, a 15-year NFL defender who won a Super Bowl with Tampa Bay, was named Monday as general manager of the San Francisco 49ers by chief executive Jed York.

The move came hours after the Indianapolis Colts settled on their own new general manager, hiring Chris Ballard after four seasons as football operations director for the Kansas City Chiefs. Lynch, 45, is a nine-time Pro Bowl defensive back and this year is a finalist for the American Football Hall of Fame for a fourth time.

He played for Denver and Tampa Bay but has spent the past eight years as a television analyst for Fox Sports before signing what reportedly is a six-year deal. “During his 15 seasons as an NFL player, John epitomized what is so special about the game of football,” York said. “A world-class competitor, his love and respect for the sport are unmatched.

“Having already helped lead a team to a Super Bowl title as a player, John is equipped with tremendous insight into what it takes to create a culture that breeds sustained success.”

Lynch replaces Trent Baalke, who was fired along with coach Chip Kelly on January 1 after serving as the team’s general manager since 2006.

Kelly went 2-14 in his lone season with San Francisco and while the 49ers have not yet hired a replacement, the job will reportedly go to Atlanta Falcons offensive coordinator Kyle Shanahan after the team faces New England in Sunday’s Super Bowl 51.

At Indianapolis, Colts owner Jim Irsay named Ballard to replace Ryan Grigson, who was fired January 21 after five years in the post. Grigson selected quarterback Andrew Luck with the number one pick in the 2012 NFL Draft and the Colts made the playoffs the next three seasons but have stumbled to 8-8 the past two campaigns.

“I am so thankful to Mr. Irsay and his entire family for this opportunity,” Ballard said. The Chiefs were 12-4 this season but lost 18-16 to Pittsburgh in the second round of the NFL playoffs.

“He’s a savvy, organized, and thorough talent evaluator, but beyond that, he’s a terrific person our community will be proud of,” Irsay said. Before taking charge of the Chiefs, Ballard worked 12 years for the Chicago Bears. — AFP