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According to the National Football Post, Eagles Vice President of Player Personnel Tom Gamble is a top candidate for the vacant Miami Dolphins General Manager position. The Dolphins and former GM Jeff Ireland "agreed to part ways" on Wednesday, so naturally they are looking for a replacement. From the NFP report:
Philadelphia director of player personnel Tom Gamble is the top candidate to replace former Miami General Manager Jeff Ireland, a source said Tuesday night. Gamble quickly emerged as the man owner Stephen Ross wants to get to run the organization after the team’s latest shakeup.
Gamble, who returned to the Eagles this offseason to run personnel under coach Chip Kelly and President Howie Roseman, could be had because he does not have control over personnel with the Eagles. However, Gamble has a long connection with the Eagles, having started his career in NFL scouting and personnel with the team in 1988. Gamble’s father Harry was the Eagles team president at one point.
Gamble was hired away from the 49ers and by the Eagles in February 2013, nearly a month after the organization hired Kelly as the head coach. The Gamble hire was received with high praise from around the league. Eagles GM Howie Roseman was excited to have Gamble, son of former Eagles GM Harry Gamble, join the organization.
"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."
The loss of Gamble would be disappointing news for the Eagles front office, but it's no surprise to see teams interested in him. He was part of the organization that helped turn the San Francisco 49ers back into a talented team. Along with Roseman, Gamble was likely responsible for the Eagles' successful 2013 offseason moves, which included some quality free agent signings (Connor Barwin, Donnie Jones, Bradley Fletcher, etc.) and a promising draft class (Lane Johnson, Zach Ertz, Bennie Logan, etc.)
It remains to be seen if Gamble wants to leave Philadelphia. Accepting the GM job in Miami would certainly be a promotion, but Gamble has local ties in the area. He was born in Haddonfield, NJ. And as Jeff McLane points out, Gamble came back to Philly partly to be near his parents, including his father who is currently in hospice care.
Nevertheless, it's an interesting situation to monitor this offseason.
