Eagles, player personnel exec agree to part ways

PHILADELPHIA (AP) The Eagles and vice president of player personnel Tom Gamble parted ways Wednesday in a surprise move just days after a disappointing finish.

PHILADELPHIA (AP) The Eagles and vice president of player personnel Tom Gamble parted ways Wednesday in a surprise move just days after a disappointing finish.

Gamble is free to pursue opportunities as a general manager or front-office executive with other teams. The Bears and Jets have vacancies at GM.

''We thank Tom for his service over the past two seasons and wish him and his family the best as they move forward,'' Eagles GM Howie Roseman said in a statement released Wednesday. ''I appreciate all Tom has done for our scouting department and our team.''

Gamble joined the Eagles during the 2013 offseason after eight years with the San Francisco 49ers' front office.

His father, Harry Gamble, was a former GM in Philadelphia.

Eagles coach Chip Kelly praised Gamble's work as a talent evaluator earlier this week. He also said he would support him if he had an opportunity to go elsewhere.

''I think Tom does an outstanding job and if he has the opportunity to do that, then I would support him in anything,'' Kelly said Monday. ''And if I can give him any help in that situation I would. But he's a heck of a football guy.''

In the same interview, Kelly was asked about his working relationship with Roseman.

His one-word reply ''good'' fueled speculation that there may be some tension between the two men.

Kelly made it clear he has final say on roster decisions and praised Roseman for his expertise with contracts and the salary cap.

Roseman, the youngest GM in the NFL at age 39, just completed his fifth season as GM. He began his career with the Eagles as an unpaid intern and was hired in 2000 as a salary-cap expert.

Roseman has worked hard on scouting and takes pride in knowing personnel. He was responsible for the 2012 draft after owner Jeffrey Lurie told then-coach Andy Reid to step back. The Eagles had a successful draft that year, landing defensive end Fletcher Cox, quarterback Nick Foles, linebacker Mychal Kendricks, defensive end Vinny Curry and cornerback Brandon Boykin in the first four rounds.

The last two drafts since Kelly was hired haven't panned out, but it's too early to judge.

The Eagles missed the playoffs after a 9-3 start, losing three straight games in December. They ended up 10-6 for the second year in a row, though they won the NFC East in 2013.

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