Tom Gamble, who has held a role as a senior personnel executive with the San Francisco 49ers, was promoted to assistant general manager the team announced on Monday.
The 49ers have promoted Tom Gamble to assistant general manager. Significant, b/c that's Chip Kelly's guy.
— Albert Breer (@AlbertBreer) July 25, 2016
Gamble returned to the organization in January of 2015 after two years with the Philadelphia Eagles as their vice president of personnel. "Tom is one of the most experienced, knowledgeable and respected personnel men in the business," 49ers general manager Trent Baalke said via a statement following the hiring. "He played an instrumental role in our personnel department from 2005-2012 and is well versed in our system, having played a role in its development. This familiarity, along with his many strengths, will be tremendous assets as we prepare for free agency and the draft. It is great to have Tom back with the 49ers."
Gamble worked with head coach Chip Kelly for two years in Philadelphia and was reportedly a strong influence in bringing Kelly to San Francisco following the firing of Jim Tomsula in January. "That's something that helped us know who Chip is as a person, know what he's going to bring to the table every single day, and all those things combined put him far ahead–the best candidate for us," said team CEO Jed York in January.
"Tom's always been somebody that we've leaned on here, somebody that Chip did in Philadelphia for a few years and somebody that Trent has here," York continued.
Prior to his time in Philadelphia, Gamble spent eight seasons with the 49ers within their personnel department. He ended that stint as the team's director of player personnel from 2011 through 2012.
49ers.com said the following of Gamble:
During his time in the NFL, Gamble has helped build 12 playoff teams – two with San Francisco, five with Indianapolis and five with Philadelphia. Prior to his arrival in San Francisco, Gamble served as a college scout for the Colts from 1998 through the 2005 draft, under veteran NFL executive Bill Polian.
