As reported by Ian Rapoport on Monday, the Los Angeles Chargers are hiring former Jets and Dolphins head coach Adam Gase as an “assistant to the passing game.” Whether that role ultimately becomes an official passing game coordinator position or remains a high-level advisory role has yet to be clarified, and that distinction will naturally raise its own set of questions once it becomes official.
Regardless, Gase is returning to the NFL after five years away, following a tumultuous ending to his tenure with the New York Jets. That stretch saw now Super Bowl-winning quarterback Sam Darnold face heavy scrutiny and significant regression after entering the league with what appeared to be immense potential.
Gase finished 9–23 as the Jets’ head coach, following a 23–25 stint with the Dolphins, which did include one playoff appearance. Still, it was not all bad. During offensive coordinator stints with the Broncos and Bears, Gase found real success working with Peyton Manning and Jay Cutler, the latter of whom was navigating a transitional period with the Bears at the time. That success ultimately propelled him into a head coaching role.
This hire will undoubtedly raise eyebrows among fans, and understandably so given how Gase’s Jets tenure unfolded. However, the real question may be how many coaches have enjoyed sustained success with that organization over the last two decades.
If Gase is not joining the Chargers in a true leadership role, fans should feel far more at ease about his presence. While much of his success came nearly a decade ago, Gase has shown that he can function as a competent offensive mind.
Chargers fans have to trust Mike McDaniel about Adam Gase
If Mike McDaniel is truly serving as the "head coach of the offense", then this hire reflects his vision. McDaniel has already shown an ability to make an offense function with less-than-ideal personnel during his time in Miami.
Now free from the responsibility of managing an entire team, he can focus solely on maximizing Justin Herbert and pushing the Chargers toward legitimate Super Bowl contention.
If Gase ultimately holds the title of passing game coordinator, so be it. That would naturally invite questions, but fans should afford McDaniel and Gase the benefit of the doubt until there is reason not to.
McDaniel was the fans’ preferred hire and widely viewed as the best available option for the job for a reason. Yes, the Gase name carries baggage, and much of it is deserved. But he is not being asked to lead the team or even run the offense.
Chargers fans wanted Mike McDaniel, and they got him. He has a vision for this offense that is beginning to take shape. For now, that vision includes Adam Gase in some capacity, and McDaniel has earned the trust to lead Herbert and the offense forward unless proven otherwise.