Former 49ers Executive Scot McCloughan Hired by Seahawks

Former 49ers general manager Scot McCloughan has been hired by the Seattle Seahawks as a senior personnel executive, the team announced Tuesday.

McCloughan, who was the central figure in the 49ers' personnel department from 2005 until he and the team mutually parted ways, will assist Seahawks general manager John Schneider and vice president of football operations Will Lewis "in all aspects of building the roster," the team's release said.

"The Seahawks are extremely excited to welcome back Scot McCloughan to the Seahawks family," Schneider said. "Not only is Scot a good friend, he is a proven veteran talent evaluator and an extremely loyal individual. We look forward to Scot's contribution. Seahawks fans should be very excited about this acquisition, as we got better today."

McCloughan previously worked for the Seahawks from 2000-05 as the franchise's director of college scouting. He helped build the '05 NFC Championship team that played in Super Bowl XL. That roster featured 25 of 28 draft picks made by McCloughan.

While with the 49ers, McCloughan led drafts that acquired Pro Bowlers Frank Gore, Vernon Davis and All-Pro Patrick Willis, as well as starters Manny Lawson, Joe Staley and Michael Crabtree.

But his tenure in San Francisco ended suddenly in mid-March, after McCloughan met with 49ers team president Jed York and a number of front office officials. Following that meeting, the team said it was parting ways with McCloughan, and he told FanHouse that "I'm fine and I'm moving forward", and the he was excited about his future. McCloughan did not resign, but numerous NFL sources said personal problems led to his departure from the 49ers.

San Francisco promoted personnel assistant Trent Baalke, who ran the 49ers' 2010 draft, to vice president of player personnel late last month. York said he would not name a new team general manager, but that Baalke would be in charge of all personnel moves, with head coach Mike Singletary having final say over the 49ers' roster.

McCloughan did not immediately return a phone call seeking comment.