What direction will the San Francisco 49ers front office go? Niner Noise takes a look at five possible general manager candidates to replace current GM Trent Baalke. December 11, 2011; Glendale, AZ, USA; San Francisco 49ers general manager Trent Baalke watches warm ups before the game against the Arizona Cardinals at University of Phoenix Stadium. The Cardinals defeated the 49ers 21-19. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports The entire 49ers organization is under scrutiny following its 12th straight defeat. The finger-pointing game is circling around the team, but current general manager Trent Baalke is feeling the most heat.Baalke has held the position for 15 years, but the team has seen a steady decline in the last few seasons since former head coach Jim Harbaugh left. It’s been well documented that he and Harbaugh had a rift, and it was up to the Yorks to go in the direction of Baalke instead.The 49ers only have six wins since Harbaugh departed.49ersNiner Noise 10hWhat San Francisco 49ers fans really want this holiday season – Part 5More headlines around FanSided:16h - San Francisco 49ers: 5 Biggest Bright Spots on the Team's Roster in 20161 d - What San Francisco 49ers fans really want this holiday season – Part 41 d - San Francisco 49ers: Not Starting Andrew Tiller at Guard Is a Strange Decision1 d - 2017 NFL Mock Draft: Bold Trade Puts Cleveland All In1 d - Rumor: 49ers Trent Baalke to join Denver BroncosMore News at Niner Noise The big debate is whether to let Baalke go and keep head coach Chip Kelly, or let both of them go. It’s hard to coach a team that has been depleted through free agency, retirements and injuries, and a majority of analysts agree Baalke should be let go.NFL Media Insider Ian Rapoport went on KNBR and said he believes Kelly’s job is safe and Baalke should be the one worried.“I don’t really see Chip Kelly being in trouble at all,” Rapoport said. “I know the record is not good, but it’s just so interesting to me. I talk to coaches around the league a lot. They’re very honest, often anonymous, and they actually think the Niners are a pretty well coached team.”Kelly endorsed Baalke in a post-game presser after the 23-17 loss against the New York Jets. When asked his comfort with working with Baalke, Kelly said, “I have tremendous confidence in Trent. So I have not heard anything about that.”But it’s likely Baalke is let go. And a majority of fans (94 percent, according to a survey by 49ers webzone) want him gone. Before Sunday’s game, a banner was flown behind a plane over Levi’s Stadium that read: “Jed, you reap what you sow — Fire Baalke.” A group of 49ers fans paid for the message.Baalke won’t be out of work long if he is let go, as sources told CBS Sports that the Denver Broncos could be a possible destination.Who will accept the daunting task of rebuilding this storied franchise?Here are some possible candidates to replace him.Next: No. 5: Tom Gamble Dec 20, 2014; Santa Clara, CA, USA; General view of the San Francisco 49ers logo at midfield of Levi’s Stadium before the NFL game between the San Diego Chargers and the 49ers. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports
No. 5: Tom Gamble
Currently the 49ers assistant general manager, Tom Gamble is the obvious choice to replace Baalke.
They have him down as having had four known interviews, dating back to 2012, including the Rams (2012), Jaguars (2013), Jets (2013) and Chargers (2013). He was in personnel with the 49ers from 2005 to 2012 and then joined Chip Kelly in Philadelphia in 2013.
Gamble was fired in late 2014 amid a power struggle and returned to the 49ers. He was promoted to assistant GM this past offseason.
This makes sense, as the 49ers could stay in house and prevent any power struggle with a GM coming from another team.
No. 4: Mike Shanahan
Mike Shanahan has been rumored multiple times joining the organization both as a head coach and in a management position, but it’s been mostly blown smoke.
He and his son Kyle could be a package deal. The elder Shanahan hasn’t been in the NFL since 2013 when he was fired by the Redskins after posting a 3-13 season.
Shanahan is well respected in the NFL circled and could bring stability to a franchise in dire need.
No. 3: Mike Lombardi
Mike Lombardi is a long-time NFL executive and has the resume to turn this team around.
He has history with the 49ers working as a scout under Bill Walsh from 1984 through 1987. He most recently served as an assistant alongside Patriots head coach Bill Belicheck, who has a good relationship with Chip Kelly.
Lombardi is a good fit, as he brings in experience from multiple circles and has a scouting background.
Only one year removed from the NFL, Lombardi could look to reclaim his status as GM with the 49ers and be the face of the rebuild.
Sep 3, 2015; Atlanta, GA, USA; Atlanta Falcons assistant general manager Scott Pioli shown on the sideline of the game against the Baltimore Ravens during the second half at the Georgia Dome. The Falcons defeated the Ravens 20-19. Mandatory Credit: Dale Zanine-USA TODAY Sports
No. 2: Scott Pioli
The current assistant general manager in Atlanta with the Falcons, Scott Pioli is another well-known executive on this list.
He was the GM of the Kansas City Chiefs and a VP of Player Personnel in New England dating back to 2002.
Pioli is a home-run hitter in the draft process landing big names such as Eric Berry, Lamar Houston and Dontari Poe, whom Pioli drafted in 2010, 2011 and 2012. Jamaal Charles and Allen Bailey were on the team as well, although those two are currently on injured reserve.
The best way to rebuild a team is through the draft, and bringing Pioli on board would fill that void.
No. 1: Trent Kirchner
It would take some luring away to hire Trent Kirchner away from the Niners’ NFC West rivals, Seattle Seahawks.
Although Kirchner doesn’t have the pedigree as an executive as some of the other names on this list, he has proved his worth in signing quality players through free agency who have been successful for the Hawks.
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Players like Michael Bennett and Cliff Avril have been game-changers in the Seahawks defense the past couple years. Kirchner currently holds the position of Co-Director of Player Personnel, and a promotion to 49ers GM might be too hard to pass up.
The York’s have a tough decision ahead of them, and finding a quality talent evaluator is just as important as a head coach.
Stay tuned on Niner Noise for more updates on the matter.
