When the 49ers promoted Tom Gamble to assistant General Manager, two explanations quickly emerged: (1) ownership moved Gamble into the on-deck circle to partner with coach Chip Kelly if Baalke is fired; or (2) G.M. Trent Baalke made the decision and he is sufficiently secure in his position that he doesn’t care if it looks like Gamble is in the on-deck circle.
On Sunday, Baalke suggested it’s the latter.
“I don’t live in a cave,” Baalke said, via Matt Barrows of the Sacramento Bee. “I think I understood exactly what was going to happen. And that should show you even more that I don’t care.”
Still, Baalke knows that the end could be coming if things don’t change, quickly.
“Sometimes it’s a little hotter than others, but this is a performance-based business,” Baalke said. “You’re here to win.”
From 2011 through 2013, the 49ers won plenty. The last two years, it’s been a struggle. If that continues, Baalke could indeed be fired. Or at least the subject of a “mutual parting.”