The Chicago Bears have received permission from the Kansas City Chiefs to interview Chris Ballard for their general manager vacancy.

Ballard is currently the Chiefs' director of pro personnel and spent 12 years with the Bears before leaving in 2013.

Ballard drew some interest from the Tampa Bay Buccaneers when they were looking for a general manager at this time last year, but turned down the opportunity to interview for the job.

Giants vice president of player evaluation Marc Ross, Ravens pro personnel director Vince Newsome and Titans vice president of player personnel Lake Dawson have also been mentioned as candidates in Chicago.