Kelley L Cox-USA TODAY Sports
49ers announce that general manager Trent Baalke has been fired
The San Francisco 49ers have finally announced the firing of general manager Trent Baalke. He had officially served as the team's general manager since 2011. The move was widely expected given the current state of the franchise while under Baalke's control. Prior to the team's final game of the season, a matchup against the Seattle Seahawks at Levi's Stadium, Baalke confirmed that he had been fired. Reports stated that Baalke was informed of the decision on Friday.
The team also
announced the firing of head coach Chip Kelly after just one season with the team.
"I have informed Trent and Chip of my decision to pursue new leadership for our football team," said CEO Jed York via a statement issued by the team. "These types of conversations are never easy, especially when they involve people you respect personally and professionally.
"Trent gave this organization every ounce of effort he had over the last 12 years and his contributions were integral to the team reaching three straight NFC Championship Games and a Super Bowl. I will forever be grateful for his dedication to the 49ers, and his friendship to me and my family. I wish Trent, Beth and their daughters the very best in whatever the future holds for their family.
"Chip has my gratitude for the job he did this year, navigating the team through some adverse circumstances. I look forward to watching his career continue to unfold, and wish him and Jill great success in life.
RELATED 49ers officially fire head coach Chip Kelly after just one season
"Despite my feelings for Trent and Chip, I felt the decision to change our football leadership was absolutely necessary. The performance of this team has not lived up to my expectations or those of our fans, and that is truly disappointing. We all expected to see this team progress and develop as the season went on, but unfortunately that did not happen. That is why now is the time to find a new direction for this team."
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.
Baalke was joined by head coach Jim Harbaugh and the two saw some success together, mostly reaping the roster benefits of the previous regime. Baalke was even named Executive of the Year for the 2011 season after receiving credit for transforming the 49ers from a 6-10 team into a 13-3 team in his first season as general manager.
Harbaugh was dismissed by the team following reports that the two had been clashing. Poor drafting and a lack of activity in free agency resulted in a 5-11 team in 2015 under head coach Jim Tomsula and this past 2-14 season under Chip Kelly.
RELATED Chip Kelly hadn't heard that Trent Baalke had been fired
The 49ers roster is now considered by many to be among the least talented in the league. His 2012 draft class is widely considered to be his worst. None of the seven players selected that year are currently on the 49ers roster with WR A.J. Jenkins possibly being his worst first-round selection as general manager.
Fans have been so frustrated with Baalke, his inability to lure talented free agents, and his miscues during drafts, that they
funded a banner to fly over Levi's Stadium prior to a game in order to plead for ownership to fire him.
Matt Maiocco of
CSN Bay Area has
reported that the Denver Broncos would be the most likely landing spot for Baalke, who is still well respected around the league – perhaps as the Director of College Scouting.
The 49ers' assistant general manager, Tom Gamble, is not expected to be a candidate for the opening, according to Maiocco.
Related News
LISTEN
Facebook Comments
More San Francisco 49ers News
Kicker Jake Moody has been everything the 49ers hoped
Veteran kicker Zane Gonzalez missed a field goal from 43 yards out during Wednesday's practice. Rookie kicker Jake Moody made all four of his attempts, including a 53-yarder.
#49ers kicker updateJake Moody made FG attempts from 33, 38, 43 and 53, while Zane Gonzalez missed from 43 and made kicks from 33, 38 and 48 yards.— Matt Maiocco (@MaioccoNBCS) May 31,
PFF ranks Trent Williams as the NFL's best tackle
Ranking season has kicked off over at Pro Football Focus. Brock Purdy recently came in at No. 23 in the analytics site's ranking of NFL quarterbacks. Now, Pro Football Focus has turned its attention to offensive tackles. While there are some question marks along the San Francisco 49ers' offensive line, left tackle is not one of them.
Trent Williams has earned a grade of 91.9 or higher in each of his three seasons with the 49ers, including a career-high and Pro Football Focus all-time best mark of 97.8 in 2021. The 34-year-old has been the highest-graded tackle in each season
Arik Armstead: 49ers can repeat as NFC West champs; Trey Lance has a bright future
San Francisco 49ers defensive lineman Arik Armstead joined NFL Network's Good Morning Football on Thursday to discuss the state of the team at the start of organized team activities (OTAs). Armstead is part of a defensive line that includes NFL Defensive Player of the Year Nick Bosa and added former Philadelphia Eagles defensive tackle Javon Hargrave.
The question that had to be asked: Does San Francisco own the best defensive line in football?
"Well, on paper, I guess you could say that, but 'on paper' doesn't win any game," Armstead responded. "But we're excited about getting together and starting that journey of
49ers insider offers analysis from glimpse of Trey Lance and Sam Darnold
It's premature to draw conclusions about a quarterback based on practices in May. That is especially true when you do so based on one practice. The San Francisco 49ers started organized team activities (OTAs) this week, and all eyes were on Trey Lance and Sam Darnold.
The two players are battling for that QB2 job behind last season's rookie sensation, Brock Purdy. One could even start Week 1 if Purdy is not healthy enough to do so himself.
Lance is coming off a season-ending ankle injury but looks completely healthy now. Darnold is trying to turn his career around after never living up to his high draft status.
Matt Barrows of The Athletic was on hand for Tuesday's practice, the only one open to reporters so far, and one that Barrows describes as a
