The rumors about who could be Trent Baalke’s eventual replacement have officially begun.
Albert Breer of The MMQB published his annual General Manager Short List, and dropped a little nugget regarding a connection between the San Francisco 49ers and Green Bay Packers Director of Player Personnel Eliot Wolf.
Once Seattle’s John Schneider signed his extension, the assumption became that Wolf would succeed Thompson in Green Bay, maybe very soon. The rumor mill has also tied him to the Niners.
It’s unclear at this point what exactly and how strong the connection is, but this is the first time an actual name has been put forth while conversations about Baalke’s possible ouster have gone on all season.
Wolf, 34, is an Oakland native who’s father, Ron Wolf, served as general manager of the Packers from 1991-2001, and is widely credited with bringing success back to a Green Bay franchise that struggled in the 70s and 80s. He was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 2015.
Eliot joined the Packers in 2004 as a pro personnel assistant, and has had a consistent rise through the ranks. He was promoted to Assistant Director of Pro Personnel in 2008, Assistant Director of Player Personnel in 2011, Director of Player Personnel in 2015 and Director-Football Operations in 2016.
Wolf has only been in his current position with the Packers for one season.
Jason La Canfora reported last weekend that Baalke is likely done with the 49ers after this season. Matt Maiocco reported on Monday that the Denver Broncos would be the most likely landing place for Baalke if he is indeed let go.