The Indianapolis Colts are searching for a new general manager after firing Chris Ballard on Monday, ending his 10-year tenure.
Indianapolis made only two playoff appearances with Ballard, leaving new owner Carlie Irsay-Gordon looking for a new leader to help return the franchise to championship contention.
The Colts have plenty of options, but five names stand out.
Each brings a different background in scouting, roster construction or football operations.
James Liipfert, Texans assistant general manager
Liipfert has developed a reputation as a rising executive in NFL front offices. After spending nine seasons with the New England Patriots, he joined the Houston Texans in 2018 as their director of college scouting before earning a promotion to assistant general manager in 2025.
Liipfert emerged as a finalist for the Atlanta Falcons’ general manager opening this offseason, giving him experience in a recent executive search.
Glenn Cook, Browns assistant general manager
Cook has scouting experience and familiarity with Indianapolis. He previously worked for the Colts under former general manager Bill Polian before joining Cleveland’s scouting department in 2016. Cook has spent a decade with the Browns, rising to assistant general manager and vice president of player personnel in 2022.
Tariq Ahmad, 49ers vice president of player personnel
Ahmad has been with the 49ers since 2021, initially as a scout before advancing to VP of player personnel. Ahmad drew interest from the Miami Dolphins during their general manager search last year.
Mike Greenberg, Buccaneers assistant general manager
Greenberg brings a different area of expertise to the table. He built his reputation around salary-cap management and contract negotiations before expanding his responsibilities within Tampa Bay’s front office.
He played an important role in assembling the Buccaneers’ Super Bowl-winning roster around Tom Brady and helping the organization remain competitive after the quarterback’s departure.
John McKay, Rams assistant general manager
McKay rounds out the list with experience in the Los Angeles Rams front office, an organization that has attracted attention for its personnel executives. He also interviewed for the general manager openings with Miami and Minnesota in 2025.
