Adam Gase is back in the NFL.
After five years away from the sidelines, the former head coach of the New York Jets and Miami Dolphins is returning to the league as a passing game assistant with the Los Angeles Chargers. It’s a surprising move on the surface, but one that speaks to the Chargers’ intent to revamp their aerial attack under new leadership.
Gase’s last NFL role came in 2020, when he wrapped up a turbulent two-year stint with the Jets. That tenure, marked by offensive struggles and a lack of development around then-quarterback Sam Darnold, left Gase with a .281 winning percentage-second-lowest in Jets history among coaches who lasted more than one season. Only Rich Kotite fared worse in the win column.
Now, after stepping away from football for half a decade, Gase is reentering the league in a much different capacity-and in a much different environment. The Chargers, led by new head coach Jim Harbaugh and offensive coordinator Mike McDaniel, are reshaping their offensive identity around star quarterback Justin Herbert. Gase’s role will be focused specifically on the passing game, an area where he made his name earlier in his career.
Before his stints as a head coach, Gase was considered one of the league’s brightest offensive minds. His work with Peyton Manning in Denver remains a defining part of his résumé.
During Gase’s time as the Broncos’ offensive coordinator, Denver shattered records and reached a Super Bowl, with Manning putting up historic numbers. That stretch is still the high-water mark of Gase’s coaching career-and it’s likely the experience that drew the Chargers’ attention.
For Harbaugh, bringing in Gase is a calculated move. The Chargers are betting that Gase’s deep understanding of quarterback play and passing concepts can be an asset in a more specialized role, especially with a talent like Herbert under center. Gase won’t be tasked with running the entire offense or managing a roster-this is about drilling down on one aspect of the game and adding value where it counts.
It’s also worth noting that Gase isn’t the only former Jets coach landing on his feet this offseason. Robert Saleh is getting another shot at a head coaching job, this time with the Tennessee Titans.
Meanwhile, Mike LaFleur has landed his first head coaching gig with the Arizona Cardinals, and he’s bringing Nathaniel Hackett along as his offensive coordinator. It’s a reminder that coaching careers rarely follow a straight line.
Sometimes, a second (or third) act opens the door to redemption-or reinvention.
For Gase, this is a chance to reestablish himself in the league, not as a head coach, but as a specialist who can help elevate a passing game that has the tools to be elite. And for the Chargers, it’s a move that underscores their commitment to building a staff with diverse experience and a sharp focus on maximizing Herbert’s potential.
Time will tell how much of an impact Gase can make in this new chapter. But one thing’s certain: after five years away, he’s back in the mix-and back in a role that plays to his strengths.