Shortly after confirming on KNBR that he had been fired by the San Francisco 49ers and saying that he was in attendance at today's game against the Seattle Seahawks because it was the right thing to do, former general manager Trent Baalke has been unceremoniously escorted out of the team's headquarters. The news comes from Dennis O'Donnell, the sports director at KPIX-TV.
Source: 49ers former GM Trent Baalke just escorted out of 49er headquarters
— Dennis O'Donnell (@KPIXSPORTS) January 1, 2017
Of course, that is pretty standard practice following the departure of personnel as there is no need for them to remain. Baalke was in the Levi's Stadium press box to watch today's game, the final one for the 49ers this season.
"[The news] didn't surprise me," Baalke said this morning of his firing. "We've done some awfully good things. Some very successful seasons. Unfortunately regret we weren't able to bring a championship to the Bay Area, which they so deserve. I think The Faithful has been great. Wish this organization nothing but the best moving forward. I do see a bright future for them."
Cam Inman of Bay Area News Group spoke with Baalke in the press box at today's game. The former general manager said that he has no plans for a next step and would take a few days to catch his breath and see what happens. Matt Maiocco of CSN Bay Area reported earlier this month that Baalke would likely end up with the Denver Broncos.
I just spoke w/ Trent Baalke in press box. He has no plans for next step: I'm going to take a few days, catch my breath and see what happens
— Cam Inman (@CamInman) January 1, 2017
Baalke started his tenure with the 49ers in 2005 as their Western Region Scout. In March of 2010, the 49ers terminated the contract of then general manager Scot McCloughan, leaving Baalke to head the draft during the following month. He briefly served as the vice president of player personnel for the 49ers before being promoted to general manager following the firing of head coach Mike Singletary.
News of his firing broke on Saturday night when Adam Schefter of ESPN reported that both he and head coach Chip Kelly would not be back following the season. Jay Glazer of FOX Sports reported that Baalke was informed of the decision on Friday while Kelly had not yet been told of his fate.
Kelly is set to meet with ownership following the game and is likely to know that his time is over in San Francisco after what has been described as an uncomfortable phone call he made to team CEO Jed York following the Schefter report on Saturday.
Update:
Tim Kawakami reports that the news of Baalke being escorted out was incorrect.
He DID NOT. It was an incorrect report. https://t.co/cVkoBgsHeR
— Tim Kawakami (@timkawakami) January 1, 2017
All indications are that Baalke was told he was fired earlier this week but isn't fired yet. Still the GM. He should be here if he wants.
— Tim Kawakami (@timkawakami) January 1, 2017
