The 49ers have promoted Senior Personnel Exec Tom Gamble, who has a "close relationship" with coach Chip Kelly, to Assistant GM, according to Eric Branch of the S.F. CHRONICLE. Gamble has "worked closely" with GM Trent Baalke during two separate stints with the franchise. Gamble worked with Kelly while both were with the Eagles as VP/Player Personnel from '13-14 (SFGATE.com, 7/25). CSN Bay Area's Matt Maiocco noted Gamble was Kelly's "only ally in the building" in Philadelphia, and became part of the "splintered relationship" between Kelly and the Eagles. He noted this is a sign that the 49ers are "giving, in essence, Kelly's guy a promotion" and that they "think highly" of Gamble. Maiocco: "It's also a signal to Chip Kelly that, 'Hey, we got your back. You're part of this organization and we're going to show you this by hiring your guy Tom Gamble'" ("Sports Talk Live," CSNBA, 7/25). Meanwhile, in Sacramento, Matt Barrows wrote Gamble's new position is an "obvious stepping stone to being the guy who runs the draft and picks the 53-man roster." Barrows: "At first blush, it's a bad look for Baalke. If the 49ers falter again this season, the team will have to consider moving in another direction" (SACBEE.com, 7/26).
