A theory on the Gamble firing

[bobbyuk]

This came from the Eagles message board so take it with a grain of salt. During the draft, apparently no one wanted Marcus Smith but Gamble convinced everyone that the guy was a can't miss future Pro Bowler.

After the season, as it has been said, after their organisational meetings on Monday, Lurie decided he wanted Kelly to be put in control of the personnel department. Gamble, apparently went ballistic and that's one reason why they escorted him from the building.

Doubts about this story will crop up, but you have to wonder, why no team with a GM opening has been banging Gamble's door down to get him in for an interview.

The other thing, which no one here has been mentioning, is how Kelly was so down on Smith during the season. It seemed like every time he got a chance in the press he talked about how poor he was in practice. If he had been a Kelly pick, I don't think he would have been as critical.

As far as him actually praising Gamble, and this is my own opinion, is that Kelly thought he'd get bites around the league for interviews and it came before the firing.

[1960]

It makes a much sense

As anything else I have heard. Also could explain the awkward announcement.

[Joegrane]

This came from the Eagles message board so take it with a grain of salt. During the draft, apparently no one wanted Marcus Smith but Gamble convinced everyone that the guy was a can't miss future Pro Bowler.

Maybe, but wouldn't Billy Davis be there to add his thoughts. Maybe Davis felt Smith would be a nice blitzing toy. Supposedly Smith was lined up in different spots in college to create mismatches. However, it is surprising that Howie would let them "reach" if reports are correct about Howie keeping Chip from "reaching" for other players. The Gamble theory makes some sense.

I could not understand why they didn't trade out of the first round and settle for two seconds.

After the season, as it has been said, after their organisational meetings on Monday, Lurie decided he wanted Kelly to be put in control of the personnel department. Gamble, apparently went ballistic and that's one reason why they escorted him from the building.

Seems less likely. Why would Gamble be so opposed? Wasn't he Chip's guy? Didn't they go to a college game together not too many weeks ago?

Doubts about this story will crop up, but you have to wonder, why no team with a GM opening has been banging Gamble's door down to get him in for an interview.

Was he that high up under the GM in SF?

The other thing, which no one here has been mentioning, is how Kelly was so down on Smith during the season. It seemed like every time he got a chance in the press he talked about how poor he was in practice. If he had been a Kelly pick, I don't think he would have been as critical.

Interesting point.

As far as him actually praising Gamble, and this is my own opinion, is that Kelly thought he'd get bites around the league for interviews and it came before the firing.

Maybe Howie booted Gamble without adequately consulting others in the organization. Maybe Howie had some flimsy reason to do so, such as slightly improper behavior by Gamble. That would have really pissed off Chip, given Gamble reason to be emotional enough to need to be escorted out, and forced Lurie's hand.

My hope is that at the root of this was a power play by Howie and some poor advice/conduct from Gamble. If so, having Chip in control of talent should help, as long as someone is there to restrain him from drafting only players from Oregon.