49ers’ Baalke explains Gamble’s promotion to assistant GM

Niners general manager Trent Baalke said today it was idea to promote front-office executive Tom Gamble to assistant general manager and he knew the move would invite speculation about his job security.

The well-respected Gamble appears to be a logical potential successor to Baalke, the 2011 NFL Executive of the Year whose job security has become more tenuous on the heels of a 5-11 season.

Gamble worked in the 49ers’ front office from 2005-12 before he spent two seasons working in Philadelphia when Chip Kelly was the Eagles head coach.

Gamble has close ties to Kelly, but Baalke said Gamble, who returned to the 49ers last year, was in line to become the 49ers assistant general manager before his two-year stint with the Eagles.

“This wasn’t a move that was generated because Chip is the head football coach now,” Baalke said.