49ers extend GM Baalke through 2016

The San Francisco 49ers came roaring back to a place among the NFL's best in 2011, and the team took a step Friday toward keeping their resurgence on track.

General manager Trent Baalke agreed on Friday to a three-year contract extension with the 49ers that will keep him in San Francisco through the 2016 season. "This is a wonderful day for Trent, his family and the 49ers organization," team CEO Jed York said. "Without question, Trent has distinguished himself as the man to direct our football operations for years to come."

This past season was Baalke's first as general manager and his eighth with the 49ers. He was named Executive of the Year by Pro Football Weekly and the Pro Football Writers Association after San Francisco went 13-3, won the NFC West, and advanced to the NFC Championship game before losing to the eventual Super Bowl champion Giants. The team went 6-10 in 2010.

"I would like to thank Jed, and the York family, for this great opportunity and show of support," Baalke said. "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. It is a privilege to work for the 49ers organization alongside this group as we continue our pursuit of championships."

Baalke started with the 49ers in 2005 as the team's western region scout. In 2008, he was promoted to director of player personnel, and he became vice president of player personnel in 2010 before taking the GM job in 2011. Since 2010 Baalke has led the 49ers in acquiring 32 players who were part of their breakthrough season this past year. Chief among those was wide receiver Ted Ginn, Jr., who came to San Francisco in a trade from the Miami Dolphins in 2010. Ginn was third in the NFL in kickoff return average in 2011 (27.6 yards per attempt) and fourth on punt returns (12.3 yards per attempt).

Before joining the 49ers' staff, Baalke worked as a scout with the Redskins and Jets, and was part of two college coaching staffs at South Dakota State and North Dakota State.

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