While the San Francisco 49ers were apparently having a tougher-than-expected time finding coordinators for new coach Jim Tomsula’s staff, they apparently had little issue in the personnel department in luring back a familiar face.

The Niners announced Thursday that Tom Gamble was returning to the organization as senior personnel executive after two years with the Philadelphia Eagles as their vice president of personnel.

“Tom is one of the most experienced, knowledgeable and respected personnel men in the business,” Niners general manager Trent Baalke said in a statement. “He played an instrumental role in our personnel department from 2005-2012 and is well versed in our system, having played a role in its development. This familiarity, along with his many strengths, will be tremendous assets as we prepare for free agency and the draft. It is great to have Tom back with the 49ers.”

Gamble, who was with the Niners for eight years, was the team’s director of pro personnel from 2005 through 2010 before serving as the team’s director of player personnel in 2011 and 2012. He oversaw both college and pro scouting.

His position with the 49ers was never truly filled after he left for the Eagles.

With the Niners, Gamble will help Baalke with some heavy lifting as the team has 15 unrestricted free agents, including running back Frank Gore, receiver Michael Crabtree, left guard Mike Iupati and cornerbacks Perrish Cox and Chris Culliver, and will have some salary-cap issues to address as well. The 49ers also hold the No. 15 overall draft pick.