Trent Baalke is an American football executive who served as the general manager of the Jacksonville Jaguars. Prior to this, he spent over two decades working in various roles within the NFL. He started his career in 1998 with the New York Jets and later joined the Washington Redskins in 2001. In 2005, Baalke became a scout for the San Francisco 49ers before being promoted to Director of Player Personnel. He eventually served as the team's general manager from 2011 to 2016, during which time the 49ers reached Super Bowl XLVII but lost to the Baltimore Ravens. Following his time in San Francisco, Baalke briefly worked with the Denver Broncos in 2018 as a scout. He returned to the NFL in 2020 with the Jacksonville Jaguars, initially as Director of Player Personnel and later as general manager before being fired in 2022.
February 14, 1964: Birth of Trent Baalke
Trent John Baalke was born on February 14, 1964.
1989: Coaching Career Begins
In 1989, Trent Baalke began his coaching career as a graduate assistant at North Dakota State.
1990: Coaching at South Dakota State
From 1990 to 1995, Baalke worked as a defensive line and strength & conditioning coach for South Dakota State.
1995: End of Coaching at South Dakota State
In 1995, Baalke finished his coaching role at South Dakota State.
1998: NFL Scouting Career Begins
Baalke started his NFL career in 1998 as a scout for the New York Jets.
2001: Joins Washington Redskins
In 2001, Baalke joined the Washington Redskins as a national scout.
2003: Continues as National Scout
Baalke continued his role as national scout for the Redskins through 2003.
2004: Promotion to College Scouting Coordinator
In 2004, Baalke was promoted to college scouting coordinator for the Washington Redskins.
2004: Worst Season Since 2004
The 2016 season was the 49ers' worst since 2004.
2005: Joins San Francisco 49ers
Baalke was hired by the San Francisco 49ers as their western region scout in 2005.
2008: Promotion to Director of Player Personnel
In 2008, Baalke was promoted to director of player personnel for the 49ers.
2010: Leads 49ers in 2010 NFL Draft and Promotion
Baalke led the 49ers in the 2010 NFL Draft and was later promoted to vice president of player personnel.
2011: Successful Season as General Manager
In 2011, Baalke led the 49ers to a 13-3 record in his first season as general manager.
January 2012: PFWA Executive of the Year
In January 2012, Baalke was named PFWA Executive of the Year for the 2011 season.
2014: Clash with Jim Harbaugh
Reports emerged in 2014 of clashes between Baalke and then-49ers coach Jim Harbaugh.
2015: 5-11 Season under Tomsula
The 49ers had a 5-11 record in 2015 under coach Jim Tomsula.
January 3, 2016: Jim Tomsula Firing
49ers coach Jim Tomsula was fired on January 3, 2016, after a 5-11 season.
January 14, 2016: Chip Kelly Hiring
Chip Kelly was hired as the 49ers head coach on January 14, 2016.
2016: Contract Extension
Baalke's contract was extended through 2016.
January 1, 2017: Baalke and Kelly Fired
Both Baalke and Kelly were fired by the 49ers on January 1, 2017.
2017: NFL Consultant Role
Baalke became a football operations consultant for the NFL in 2017.
February 4, 2020: Joins Jacksonville Jaguars
Baalke was hired as director of player personnel for the Jacksonville Jaguars on February 4, 2020.
November 29, 2020: Interim General Manager
Baalke was promoted to interim general manager of the Jaguars on November 29, 2020.
2024: Final Season with Jaguars
The 2024 season was Baalke's last as general manager of the Jaguars.
January 22, 2025: Fired by Jaguars
After the 2024 season, Baalke was fired by the Jaguars on January 22, 2025.