The Philadelphia Eagles filled a big hole in their front office Wednesday by hiring Tom Gamble to serve as their vice-president of player personnel.
Gamble, a 49-year-old Haddonfield native, fills a void created when Ryan Grigson left before this season to become general manager in Indianapolis.
Gamble spent the past eight seasons with San Francisco, including the last two years as the 49ers' director of player personnel. In 2011, the 49ers drafted quarterback Colin Kaepernick, who helped the Niners reach the Super Bowl this season.
Gamble has been in the NFL for 25 years, starting with a stint in the Eagles' personnel department from 1988-94. Gamble's father, Harry Gamble, was Eagles' president from 1986-95.
He will report directly to Eagles general manager Howie Roseman.
"Since Ryan left we've been looking for the right person to fill his spot and we are excited about what Tom can bring to the team," Roseman said in a statement. "He's not only a talented evaluator, but also a good man and the type of person you want as a part of your team.
"Tom and I have had a great relationship over the years and I know he's excited to come home. He had a great run in San Francisco and they have been very successful over the last few years. He will jump right in with our group and get working on free agency and the draft."
During Gamble's tenure in San Francisco, the 49ers reached the NFC championship game in 2011, the Super Bowl in 2012, and produced 18 Pro Bowl selections. In addition to the Eagles, Gamble also worked with the New York Jets as a defensive assistant/quality control coach (1995-96), a pro scout for Baltimore (1997) and a college scout for Indianapolis (1998-2004).
Gamble helped build teams that made the playoffs 11 times, including four with the Eagles.
