Adam Gase might be on the verge of an NFL comeback-and this time, it could be in a much different role than fans are used to seeing him in.
The former head coach is reportedly being considered for a position on Jim Harbaugh’s coaching staff with the Los Angeles Chargers, potentially as an offensive assistant. While nothing is finalized, discussions are ongoing, and the possibility of Gase joining Harbaugh’s staff has already stirred up a mix of reactions across the league.
If it happens, this would mark Gase’s first NFL job in five years. His last stint in the league ended in 2020 after two rough seasons as head coach of the New York Jets, where the team went 9-23.
Before that, he spent three years leading the Miami Dolphins, posting a 23-25 record and making one playoff appearance. His earlier success came as an offensive coordinator with the Denver Broncos and Chicago Bears, roles that helped build his reputation as a quarterback-friendly mind-especially during his time with Peyton Manning in Denver.
Now, the idea of Gase returning in a supporting role under Harbaugh is drawing attention. For Gase, this could be a chance to reset.
A step back from the spotlight might allow him to recalibrate, learn from a new environment, and contribute without the pressure of being the face of the franchise. Working alongside respected minds like Harbaugh-and potentially Mike McDaniel, who is also part of the Chargers’ staff-could be a valuable opportunity to evolve and reestablish his place in the league.
But not everyone is sold on the idea.
Chargers fans wasted no time voicing their skepticism online. One called it a “brotherly rivalry” moment, joking that Jim Harbaugh might be trying to outdo his brother John in making the most questionable assistant hire of the offseason. Others were more direct, with comments like “Keep this guy far away from my team” and concerns about Gase having any hand in game planning or play design-especially in light of his struggles with the Jets offense.
One particularly pointed reference came from a fan recalling the infamous moment when then-Jets quarterback Sam Darnold was caught on a hot mic saying he was “seeing ghosts”-a moment that, fair or not, became symbolic of Gase’s difficulties during that tenure.
Still, there are some who see potential upside. A few fans noted that if Gase is coming in to learn, contribute ideas, and work under strong leadership rather than run the show, it could be a smart move for both sides. The Chargers would get an experienced voice in the room, and Gase would get a low-risk environment to rebuild his reputation.
At the end of the day, this wouldn’t be a high-stakes hire. Harbaugh will be the one steering the ship, especially on offense.
Gase’s role-if it materializes-would likely be advisory, more about film work and idea-sharing than calling plays or designing schemes. That’s a very different lane from where he’s been before, and maybe that’s exactly what he needs.
For now, it’s a wait-and-see situation. The Chargers are still finalizing their staff, and Gase is still waiting for another shot. Whether this reunion with the NFL becomes official in the coming days will be worth watching-not just for what it means for the Chargers, but for what it could signal about second chances in a league that rarely forgets, but sometimes forgives.