According to SI.com’s Albert Breer, Indianapolis Colts assistant GM Ed Dodds is once again among the ‘annual hot names for NFL future GMs list’—which he’s been a recent mainstay on through the years:
There are few questions on Dodds’s ability to work the college scouting trail, or evaluate players—he was once a key piece of John Schneider’s staff in building a champion with the Pete Carroll Seahawks, and he’s been in on just about every decision that Chris Ballard has made in Indy over the last nine years. That respect has been reflected in the number of teams that have shown interest in him. He was a finalist for the Tennessee job last year. If you’re looking for an old-school scout who’ll be blunt and honest about your team to do the job, Dodds is your guy.
Specifically, Dodds is listed as ‘on the doorstep,’ which presumably means he’s on the cusp of becoming a new NFL general manager sooner rather than later.
As longtime Colts general manager Chris Ballard’s ‘right hand man,’ Dodds has served in his current role since 2018—having previously served as Indianapolis’ scout and senior personnel executive upon his arrival in 2017.
He began his career as a scouting intern for the Oakland Raiders in 2003 and was a longtime scout for the Seattle Seahawks under Seattle Seahawks GM John Schneider prior to joining the Colts organization along with Ballard.
Among his finding of Colts gems through the years, Dodds was credited for previously being instrumental for the scouting and acquisition of the likes of former Pro Bowl cornerback Kenny Moore II, as well as ex-starting pass rushing defensive lineman Denico Autry.
Not only did Dodds interview for the Tennessee Titans opening last year, but he’s also interviewed with the Los Angeles Chargers, Las Vegas Raiders, Detroit Lions, Carolina Panthers, Chicago Bears, Minnesota Vikings, and Pittsburgh Steelers for their prior general manager vacancies.
Among league circles, Dodds has been a hot name for general manager openings for quite a while, and that shouldn’t necessarily change this offseason—even with the 2025 Colts suffering another disappointing fate.
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