Tom Gamble and Jets could be a match
Tom Gamble is in his 24th NFL season and his seventh year with the 49ers. Credit: San Francisco 49ers
The feeling seems mutual between Tom Gamble and the Jets.
The 49ers' director of player personnel has been considered the front-runner for the team's vacant general manager job for several days. Gamble showed his interest by canceling his second interview with the Jaguars in order "to focus on the Jets," according to ESPN's Adam Schefter.
The buzz around the league is that Gamble -- who met with owner Woody Johnson Saturday -- eventually will be named the Jets' GM. But they have not agreed upon a deal.
Not only is Gamble well-respected, but the 49ers' drafts have been stellar in recent years. Gamble was a quality control coach for the Jets from 1995-96 and has history with Rex Ryan. The son of former Eagles president Harry Gamble, he has known Ryan for more than 20 years, having worked under Ryan's father, Buddy, in Philadelphia.
The Jets also are expected to interview Marc Ross on Monday. The Giants' director of college scouting, who has helped target top talent such as two-time Pro Bowler Jason Pierre-Paul, wide receiver Hakeem Nicks and running back David Wilson, is rumored to be the favorite for the Panthers' GM job.
By meeting with Ross, the Jets will satisfy the Rooney Rule, which mandates that NFL teams must interview minority candidates for head-coaching and senior football operation opportunities.
Assistant general manager Scott Cohen also is in the mix.
The Jets' wish list, however, has dwindled significantly in recent days. Falcons director of player personnel Dave Caldwell met with them Friday, but according to Schefter, the Jaguars are leaning toward Caldwell for their GM opening. Recently fired Browns GM Tom Heckert also was being considered for the Jets' vacant GM job, but he canceled Monday's interview because of concerns about the Jets' sticky salary-cap situation. Packers director of football operations John Dorsey, who was scheduled to interview with the Jets Saturday, is expected to join Andy Reid in Kansas City as the Chiefs' new GM.
