Adam Gase is back in the NFL - but this time, he’s stepping into a different kind of role.
After several years away from the league, the former head coach of both the Miami Dolphins and New York Jets is returning to the sidelines. Gase has been hired by Jim Harbaugh and the Los Angeles Chargers as an assistant coach with a focus on the passing game, per ESPN’s Kris Rhim. It’s a notable move, not just because of Gase’s long absence from coaching, but also because of the setup he’s walking into.
He’ll be working under new offensive coordinator Mike McDaniel - yes, the same Mike McDaniel who was recently let go after his own head coaching stint with the Dolphins. So now you’ve got two former AFC East head coaches teaming up in Los Angeles, both with deep offensive backgrounds and plenty of shared history. Safe to say, their meetings might get interesting.
A Return to Familiar Territory - Just Not the Same Title
Gase isn’t coming back as a head coach or even a coordinator, but this role still puts him in a position to influence the Chargers’ offensive identity. And for a team looking to revamp its passing attack under Harbaugh, bringing in a veteran mind like Gase makes sense.
While his head coaching record leaves a lot to be desired - more on that in a moment - Gase’s early career was marked by success, particularly when it came to designing and calling plays in the passing game.
From Peyton’s Record-Breaker to Head Coaching Hopes
Gase, 47, hails from Ypsilanti, Michigan, and got his start in coaching as an assistant at LSU. He broke into the NFL with the Detroit Lions in 2005 and made stops with the 49ers, Broncos, and Bears over the next decade.
His most notable run came in Denver, where he served as offensive coordinator from 2013 to 2014. That’s when he helped guide Peyton Manning to one of the most prolific passing seasons in NFL history - a campaign that ended with a Super Bowl appearance, even if it didn’t end with a ring.
That success helped launch Gase into head coaching conversations, and in 2016, the Dolphins gave him his shot. He replaced interim coach Dan Campbell and made an immediate impact, leading Miami to a 10-6 record and a playoff berth in his first season - their first postseason appearance since 2008.
Unfortunately, things didn’t trend upward from there. The Dolphins regressed to 6-10 in 2017 and 7-9 in 2018, and Gase was let go after three seasons.
The Jets Era: A Tough Chapter
The New York Jets didn’t waste time scooping Gase up, hoping his offensive acumen could help develop then-rookie quarterback Sam Darnold, the No. 3 overall pick in 2018. But the results were mixed at best.
In 2019, the Jets stumbled out of the gate at 1-7 before rallying to win six of their last eight games, finishing 7-9. It was a glimmer of hope - but it didn’t last.
The 2020 season was rough from start to finish. The Jets opened 0-13, and by the time it was over, they were 2-14. Gase was fired after compiling a 9-23 record across two seasons in New York.
A Fresh Start in L.A.
Now, after a few years away from the NFL spotlight, Gase is re-entering the league in a more specialized role - and that might be just what he needs. The Chargers, under Harbaugh, are clearly building a staff with a blend of experience and innovation. Pairing McDaniel’s modern offensive concepts with Gase’s background in quarterback development and passing schemes could be a savvy move.
There’s no telling what the long-term plan is for Gase, but this role gives him a chance to re-establish himself in the league without the weight of head coaching expectations. And for the Chargers, it’s another piece in a larger puzzle as they try to reshape their offense and maximize the talent on their roster.
Gase’s journey has had its highs and lows, but one thing’s clear - he’s not done with football just yet.