Trent Baalke After The Jim Harbaugh Hire

by James Brady on Jan 10, 2011 3:30 PM PST in 49ers Head Coach/GM Search 2011

Following the firing of Mike Singletary, much was said regarding the 49ers front office structure going forward. Jed York was adamant that a general manager would be hired, and the hopes of fans would then ride with that general manager, because all the power would be his. The mystery candidate (hah) would make the head coaching hire and have final say on essentially everything related to San Francisco's football operations.

Naturally, I began my immediate defense of Trent Baalke while simultaneously decreeing that he would not be even considered for the 49ers general manager position. I reasoned that he just didn't have the experience or clout necessary to bring in that coaching hire, and therefore he wouldn't make the cut - but I did profess that I think he's a great football mind and strong personality, which led to me hoping that he was kept on board as a personnel man.

Well, I've just got the taste of my own foot out of my mouth and I couldn't be happier with the way things have turned out. I'm also happy that I no longer have a foot in my mouth, but that's slightly below my elation that I just discovered a ten dollar bill in my shoe for some reason. But back to the pertinent happiness - the one of Trent Baalke not only sticking with the organization, but also proving me wrong doubly by being hired into the general manager position and being the point-man on the ever-so-important hiring of Jim Harbaugh.

We'll never know just how much Baalke had to do with things and how much of it was Jed York, but reports, that I happen to believe, came out regarding the situation and they seemed to reflect that Baalke was definitely the go-to guy. This is good, honestly - good that our first time general manager was able to land the hot coaching candidate, with or without the help of Bay Area bias. At any rate, I liked Baalke and a decent number of you seemed to like him as well. The majority of us were still critical of the move at first, mostly with the way the "search" was handled, but it did appear that the 49ers conducted actual interviews with a few candidates.

Immediately following the hire, the question was asked "Will Baalke make a good General Manager for the 49ers?" and 74% (922 votes) answered "yes." 25% (318 votes) responded with "no." Later on, the poll question was "Without factoring in Jim Harbaugh, on a scale of 1 to 10 how would you rate the Baalke promotion?" The leading vote was 7 with 20%. Five, six and eight were not far behind, and then trailing those two was ... one.

Now I ask you folks - armed with the knowledge that Trent Baalke was a factor in the hiring of Jim Harbaugh (in my mind, a significant factor), the league's hottest coaching candidate, what do you think of the promotion?

Poll

Factoring in the Jim Harbaugh hiring, on a scale of 1 to 10, how would you rate the Baalke promotion?

1

20 votes

2

10 votes

3

10 votes

4

18 votes

5

43 votes

6

64 votes

7

241 votes

8

393 votes

9

252 votes

10

293 votes

1344 votes | Poll has closed

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Comments

9

But I’m factoring in the Harbaugh hire and the extensions of both Willis and Vernon.

by TDP on Jan 10, 2011 3:41 PM PST reply actions

that still doesn't sway my vote

those are all easy decisions, good decisions, but not difficult.

by Andrew Davidson on Jan 10, 2011 3:52 PM PST up reply actions

Good ones

But there is much more to that. How will last years draft class hold up in 3 years, does he find a franchise qb, fix the pass rusher situation and bring youth and speed to the secondary.

by Abe Lopez on Jan 11, 2011 2:20 PM PST up reply actions

The person who voted 1 must either not like Jim Harbaugh or loves to just vote differently than everyone else.

I like the idea of new talent in the GM position and also getting the top HC available.
The fact that they seem to work together well, which was obvious in their press conference and the CSN interview… means a lot.

"Whether you think you can, or you think you can't, either way, YOU'RE RIGHT !"

by Eastbayjim on Jan 10, 2011 3:42 PM PST reply actions

How much have they worked together?

Jim Harbaugh, new Head Coach of the San Francisco 49ers. Now what?

by drummer on Jan 10, 2011 3:44 PM PST up reply actions

I agree with their perceived chemistry\style

the draft will tell us how much

Harbaugh will find a QB and he will succeed.

by goatfather on Jan 10, 2011 3:45 PM PST up reply actions

11 when I get home.

Kellen Moore is awesome
Katie Mcgrath is our savior

by manraj7 on Jan 10, 2011 3:44 PM PST via mobile reply actions

Undecided

1. Hiring Harbaugh was a no-brainer simply because Harbaugh was the hottest commodity available (or so the 49ers want you to think, I think maybe Cowher and Gruden have something to say about that). It doesn’t take a brilliant GM to hire Harbaugh, he has great potential despite jumping from the NCAA.

2. We haven’t seen the draft yet, nor have we seen any trades or free agent moves. Obviously this isn’t relevant yet, since the draft is months away and without a CBA it doesn’t really matter what happens in free agency (and trades can’t happen). It might be unfair for me to hold off on what I think of Baalke until then, but if I had to vote now I’d say a 5. Simply because he did what he should’ve done in getting Harbaugh.

by Andrew Davidson on Jan 10, 2011 3:51 PM PST reply actions

FA - Westbrook... Trades - Ginn - extentions - V. Davis and P Willis

"Whether you think you can, or you think you can't, either way, YOU'RE RIGHT !"

by Eastbayjim on Jan 10, 2011 4:28 PM PST up reply actions

The issue not whether the 49ers should have hired Harbaugh…the issue is whether the 49ers got Harbaugh…for that I give Baalke some credit

I also give him credit for not appearing to panic when the Dolphin went porpoise crazy with Harbaugh

by calbearjd on Jan 10, 2011 4:40 PM PST up reply actions 1 recs

I still vote 7.

He got the exciting hire, but it’s a first time NFL head coach and he had a huge hand in last year’s draft which looks fairly fruitful, but let’s see what he does with complete control of the draft. Also, let’s see what kind of talent he can bring in in free agency. He has me excited and faithful, but I can’t consider this a 9 or 10 yet.

by Hambone Willis on Jan 10, 2011 3:54 PM PST reply actions

I voted 7 as well

1. Good Draft – but hard to tell how much of it was his
2. Mostly Good Free Agent Acquisitions thus far – Liked bringing in Westbrook and Troy Smith, could have brought in another CB and he didn’t stop the Carr acquisition.
3. Was able to hire Harbaugh and retain a large amount of power

Another good draft and good free-agent pick up and I might be willing to get my hopes up again for next year. However, with this year’s disappointment still fresh, even a 7 is pushing it.

by reedkrase on Jan 10, 2011 4:02 PM PST up reply actions

I just want to see if he can maybe land Asomugha, but still I’d have to say 8 or 9.

Although those decisions were all ‘no-brainers’, he was still able to hammer out those deals and work well with high-stakes and lots of pressure.

I'm tired of the Leafs half-assing it like a chick with one butt cheek.

by happiergilmore on Jan 10, 2011 3:59 PM PST reply actions

Give Marathe a bit of credit for getting the deals done, he’s the number cruncher. Sure Baalke did his job, and I’m glad he did, but he’s not an 8 or 9 in my eyes. Signing Nnamdi would bump him up from my current 5 vote easily, but again none of this is a factor until a new CBA is present.

I didn’t hate last year’s draft, but I hated the unneccesary trade up. Baalke loses marks for that one big time in my eyes.

by Andrew Davidson on Jan 10, 2011 4:10 PM PST up reply actions

The 49ers use the "value" model as far as contracts..

that Marath used ever since he had the power to do so. I don’t know why 49ers fans think Baalke is the guy who hammers out the long term deals for players. It’s Marathe’s model based somewhat on what NE does.

Jim Harbaugh, new Head Coach of the San Francisco 49ers. Now what?

by drummer on Jan 10, 2011 4:13 PM PST up reply actions

Nobody thinks Baalke is the guy that does the deal

But he is the one that says, sign this guy

by hudd07 on Jan 10, 2011 4:49 PM PST up reply actions

Like who?..

Willis? Davis? Gore? Crabtree? Everybody seems to give him credit for those player’s deals.

Jim Harbaugh, new Head Coach of the San Francisco 49ers. Now what?

by drummer on Jan 10, 2011 5:19 PM PST up reply actions

Plus..

was Baalke behind the Smith paycut?

Jim Harbaugh, new Head Coach of the San Francisco 49ers. Now what?

by drummer on Jan 10, 2011 5:20 PM PST up reply actions

I imagine that was Alex

who knew he’d be out of a job if he didn’t re-structure

by smileyman on Jan 10, 2011 5:34 PM PST up reply actions

I'll give Baalke three seasons..

to have an opinion on him.

I think Smith would have wound up on another team. Hell, Leinhart still has a job for not even showing anything NFL worthy.

Jim Harbaugh, new Head Coach of the San Francisco 49ers. Now what?

by drummer on Jan 10, 2011 6:08 PM PST up reply actions

3rd string (for Leinart)

I still think that Alex will be given a chance to compete for a starting job in the NFL for another team. There aren’t enough QBs to go around for other teams to turn up their noses on him

by smileyman on Jan 11, 2011 7:39 PM PST up reply actions

Is there a "Nedney Factor" in play with this poll?

Jim Harbaugh, new Head Coach of the San Francisco 49ers. Now what?

by drummer on Jan 10, 2011 4:00 PM PST reply actions

not until his knee heals

by reedkrase on Jan 10, 2011 4:04 PM PST up reply actions

An explanation of my position ...

Trent was not my #1 pick for the job. Let me explain. I think that Trent is an extremely knowledgable football guy, very hard working, and dedicated to the Niners. So where’s the shortcoming? Lack of a decent mentor! Obviously that is not his fault. I felt that the Niners should seek a young guy with a lot of FO experience, most of which was working for a superior GM. That is how the “great ones” develop. Unfortunately for Trent, he got stuck with working for McC, hardly a paragon of virtue as a GM. Thus, my #1 candidate would have been Eric DeCosta of the Baltimore Ravens, who has learned from Ozzie Newsome, one of the best IMO.

My opinion makes absolutely no difference. Only two things are relavant and important. First, Trent hired the right guy for the Niners HC, without any doubt whatsoever. Two, it would seem that Trent and Jim are excited about working together. Fantastic!

I still hope that Trent has or can find other executives in the NFL from whom he can learn. In my experience, having a great mentor is critically important to achieving ones full potential.

by 49erFanSince1950 on Jan 10, 2011 4:13 PM PST reply actions

Opps! Forgot a significant point! Sorry about that ...

Given that the Niners wanted (rightfully so) to hire a GM before hiring the HC, they were fighting a big obsticle in looking beyond inside the Niners shop or non-NFL guys. They couldn’t talk to folks whose employers were still involved in the playoffs. Cuts the list of candidates who can interview to a very few. Given that fact, IF they wanted to hire Harbaugh as the HC, there wasn’t much else that they could do.

by 49erFanSince1950 on Jan 10, 2011 4:27 PM PST up reply actions

There is a great article on Baalke

and it specifically states that he follows Parcells management style, that Parcells is his mentor. He may not have had 10 years behind Parcells, but it’s not needed. Look at Harbaugh and Walsh.

I think the GM needs to be a good scout first and foremost, and that’s the #1 most important trait of a GM, it’s knowing how to evaluate talent, and bring in talent. He has done a great job of that so far. Baalke is good, and will be fine.

by hudd07 on Jan 10, 2011 4:51 PM PST up reply actions

Does Baalke have a picture of Harbaugh on his computer though…

by calbearjd on Jan 10, 2011 4:54 PM PST up reply actions

Fail...

Does Baalke have a picture of Parcell on his computer…

by calbearjd on Jan 10, 2011 4:54 PM PST up reply actions

Which brings us to the "picture taped to his computer" misquote...

Are these reporters THAT inane? Who tapes a picture to their computer?

Harbaugh said he had a picture of Walsh on his computer ans sees Walsh every day. Uh…sounds like a DESKTOP picture to me.

taped on…he coached at STANDFORD for crying out loud…not the local technical college!

by ColoradoNiner on Jan 10, 2011 9:58 PM PST up reply actions

Better be a big screen.

Thank you SF Giants for an incredible 2010 season and painting the City orange & black!
You gotta bring ass to get ass.
I vow to never mention "playoffs" and "49ers" together again until we have a "quarterback."

by SpurredOn on Jan 10, 2011 10:35 PM PST up reply actions

If you listen...

To the Baalke/Harbaugh presser (on www.49ers.com) and the Baalke/Harbaugh radio interview with Ralph and Tom (on www.knbr.com), Baalke comes across as a sharp, knowledgeable, but sufficiently humbled via years of scouting experience sort of individual. I was very lukewarm on the Baalke hire considering the appearance of a sham hire, but Baalke appears to stand on his own two feet.

One of the things I really liked about him is when asked about who has control of the 53 man roster, Baalke explained that ultimately the power resides with him. However, he quickly added that he would not just force a player down Harbaugh’s throat. He championed how well he believed the two of them would work together. I’m inclined to agree at this point because (1) Harbaugh could have chosen to work with another team (Denver, Miami, Michigan, etc), but didn’t because he liked Baalke. (2) reports on both men says they are super hard workers. They stay until the job is done. People that have the same work philosophy are more likely to get along and see the vision the same way.

Jim Harbaugh doesn't just WANT winners, he MAKES them!

by Adusoron on Jan 10, 2011 4:22 PM PST reply actions

I mean

Remember, this very issue (control) was the continual subject of much debate concerning Nolan and McCloughan. Nolan came across like an absolute dictator and McCloughan appeared to waffle around. “Harbaalke” both came across crystal clear in that Baalke has the power, but that he is no dictator and believes shared vision/chemistry with Harbaugh will result in a powerful front office partnership.

I think Jed actually got this thing right!

Jim Harbaugh doesn't just WANT winners, he MAKES them!

by Adusoron on Jan 10, 2011 4:24 PM PST up reply actions

ScotM was a Nolan hire..

and IIRC, al Henegan was also brought in by Nolan. The Nolan regime was flawed due to all of the inexperience FO on down, but it did land current Pro Bowl players.

Jim Harbaugh, new Head Coach of the San Francisco 49ers. Now what?

by drummer on Jan 10, 2011 4:29 PM PST up reply actions

Seemingly by accident!

by 49erFanSince1950 on Jan 10, 2011 4:31 PM PST up reply actions

hahah! oh man for sec i thought the title said "Jim Harbaugh Fire" ???!!

anyways i have a new confidence for this “new” 49er organization, and I hope this is nothing but good things to come.

OHHHHHH!!! Take That With Youuuuuu!!!

by Giants49war on Jan 10, 2011 4:55 PM PST reply actions

Liked him before Harbaugh signed

Mainly because he was there making personnel decisions some of which we wouldn’t know about but Jed would. The fact that Jed did says much. Basically a 9 month interview.

I like the fact that he’s come up as a talent evaluator and has a record that could be checked. I really like it that he’s a 49er and knows our current players. Think that he and Harbaugh are going to be a solid team.

fire Moran Norris
hire Owen Marecic

by Jaxson876 on Jan 10, 2011 4:57 PM PST reply actions

Baalke is a breath of fresh air after scumbag McCloughan.

At this point, I'm pretty much done with surprises - Michael Crabtree

by Amigo on Jan 10, 2011 4:59 PM PST reply actions

Listen

Baalke had a real good 2010 NFL Draft, it could turn out to be great depending on what happens with Davis, Bowman and Mays. As of right now, they got an all-pro level tackle, nice hybrid TE/HB, a RB with potential and steal in Adams in the later rounds. Add the fact that they picked up a 2011 4th round from San Diego, traded for Ted Ginn Jr and also picked up two more late picks (6th and 7th for Balmer and Hill), the draft has to be considered a success.

Although, Baalke wasn’t the primary negotiator, both Willis and Davis were extended under his watch. Baalke and York also played their cards perfectly in the Harbaugh negotiations, and came out strong for it. Everyone who questioned his lack of experience and/or ties with the previous regime should at least wait to see how this off-season plays out before questioning the promotion. As it is, he has to get an A for the draft, the trades, the extensions, the free agent signings and bringing in Harbaugh.

Wholey shoots and ladders, Tim K tweeted me that Harbough is my uncle, but he still needs to verify his sources after he gets his cavity filled

by nocal81(Vincent) on Jan 10, 2011 5:45 PM PST reply actions

Willis and Davis...

were extended under Gamble’s watch too. As well as Henegan’s.

Gamble did most of the day to day GM stuff. Marathe has been the main negotiator since Donahue. Baalke hasn’t even shown his model of building a team yet as far as contracts. Maybe because he isn’t the architect of the financial structure of them.

Jim Harbaugh, new Head Coach of the San Francisco 49ers. Now what?

by drummer on Jan 10, 2011 6:11 PM PST up reply actions

As I understand it, Gamble did not do most of the day to day GM stuff.

And then God created Saturn... and he liked it, so he put a ring on it.
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by James Brady on Jan 10, 2011 10:07 PM PST up reply actions

He did when Baalke was out scouting..

Barrows brought up that during the season, Baalke was out of his office most of the time out scouting. Gamble was more in house than Baalke was. He surmised that the lack of an in house GM didn’t help situations like Micheal Lewis, Balmer, Coffee, etc. It seemed clear that there was nobody who really ran the FO, from what most of the beat writers have written over the season.

Jim Harbaugh, new Head Coach of the San Francisco 49ers. Now what?

by drummer on Jan 10, 2011 10:17 PM PST up reply actions

So far so good!

We’ll have to see as FA players are acquired and the draft is done. Player development will also tell when we “watch the film” to use an oft used quote.

Jay Cruise
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by wellnesscoach on Jan 10, 2011 5:51 PM PST reply actions

Trent is good so far.

For an encore can he talk the Yorks into a nnamdi contract or a vick contract that would make next years draft that much better.

by wtlichens on Jan 10, 2011 6:10 PM PST via mobile reply actions

and when I say better,...

they wouldn’t have to draft for need anymore, they would have the luxury of taking the best player available.

by wtlichens on Jan 10, 2011 6:13 PM PST via mobile up reply actions

Just seems to me...

that no one gives any GM credit until after they win a championship. Then they get washed up and become has beens when they don’t win again. Tough Gig.

by I love Patrick Willis on Jan 10, 2011 9:35 PM PST reply actions

Trent Dilfer's take

Was very positive on the radio this morning. He believes strongly in Baalke and Harbaugh.

http://knbr.com/OnKNBR680/MurphandMac/tabid/584/Default.aspx

by SpurredOn on Jan 10, 2011 10:39 PM PST reply actions

I gave him a 7

Hiring Harbaugh was huge! However, his job is not done yet. He still has to find a franchise quarterback who will sit and develop for three years, a starter for the the next 3 years such as McNabb, Kolb, Orton and a savvy veteran if they depart with David Carr. Then he has to find a dominant pass rusher in the draft or free agency, and bring back youth and speed to the secondary. Once he does all of that then we will see how team does in three years.

by Abe Lopez on Jan 11, 2011 2:18 PM PST reply actions