The 49ers have signed General Manager Trent Baalke to a three-year contract extension Friday after his first year as the team's GM, locking him up through 2016. Baalke has been with the team for seven seasons, first serving as a regional scout, then as Director of Player Personnel from 2008-2009, then Vice President of Player Personnel in 2010. He was named General Manager on January 4, 2011 and between a draft class and a collection of free agents, Baalke signed 24 players beginning July that would remain on the team's 53-man roster the entire year. Three of those signees - K David Akers, FS Dashon Goldson and CB Carlos Rogers - earned Pro Bowl selections, while five others were named Pro Bowl alternates - special teamer Blake Costanzo, C Jonathan Goodwin, DT Ray McDonald, FB Bruce Miller and SS Donte Whitner. In all, 12 of those 24 players logged starts for the 49ers in 2011.
Jed York announced the news on Twitter, adding that Gideon Yu has also been promoted to president after one season as the team's Chief Strategy Officer. Yu is a 1% owner of the team as well:
Excited to announce our amazing GM, Trent Baalke's contract is extended until, 2016 and @GideonYu has been promoted to be our new President.
— Jed York (@JedYork) February 10, 2012
York added that, apparently, the talks were easy:
Contentious contract negotiation w/ Trent over dinner. Didn't finalize terms until after we finished the chips & salsa.
— Jed York (@JedYork) February 10, 2012
In a press release, York had this to say about his team's GM:
"This is a wonderful day for Trent, his family and the 49ers organization. Without question Trent has distinguished himself as the man to direct our football operations for years to come. Since taking over as General Manager last January, we have made great strides on the football field under Trent's leadership. It gives me great pleasure to watch Trent and Jim work arm-in-arm with the common goal of leading the 49ers to championships."
Baalke also had a statement, saying, "I would like to thank Jed, and the York family, for this great opportunity and show of support. In addition, I would like to thank Coach Harbaugh, as well as our coaches, players, scouts, and entire football operations staff for their hard work and dedication this season. The success we experienced on the field was a direct result of their efforts. It is a privilege to work for the 49ers organization, alongside this group, as we continue our pursuit of championships."
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