Chargers Hire Adam Gase as a Passing Game Assistant

Following a five-year break from coaching, Adam Gase is making an NFL return. He is reportedly set to join the Los Angeles Chargers as a passing game assistant on Jim Harbaugh’s staff, per NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport.

During his hiatus from coaching, Gase worked as a strategic advisor for The 33rd Team—a football media and analytics company founded by former NFL executive Mike Tannenbaum—alongside future Pro Football Hall of Famer and current North Carolina head football coach Bill Belichick, as well as his former New England Patriots defensive coordinator and current Ohio State defensive coordinator Matt Patricia.

The 47-year-old most recently served as the head coach of the New York Jets during the 2019 and 2020 seasons, compiling a 9-23 (.281) record and finishing 2-14 in his final year. His tenure in New York drew heavy criticism, including his failure to develop former third overall pick and now Super Bowl champion Sam Darnold, a dysfunctional locker room culture, and concerns about accountability and leadership. Gase was also named interim general manager during the 2019 season.

Prior to his time with the Jets, Gase served as the head coach of the Miami Dolphins from 2016 to 2018, posting a 23-25 record (.479). In his first season, he led Miami to a 10-6 record and its first playoff berth since 2008. After finishing 6-10 in 2017 and 7-9 in 2018, Gase was fired by Miami.

Gase also spent time as an offensive coordinator with the Chicago Bears in 2015 and the Denver Broncos from 2013 to 2014, helping Peyton Manning produce a record-breaking season with 5,477 passing yards and 55 touchdowns in 2013. He served as the Broncos’ quarterbacks coach from 2011 to 2012 and wide receivers coach from 2009 to 2010, and worked as an offensive assistant for the San Francisco 49ers in 2008. Gase was the quarterbacks coach for the Detroit Lions in 2007 and served as an offensive assistant in 2006 and a scouting assistant from 2003 to 2005.

Before moving to the pros, Gase worked as a defensive assistant and scouting assistant at LSU from 2001 to 2002 and served as a graduate assistant in 2000.

After finding success with notable quarterbacks such as Peyton Manning, Tim Tebow, Jay Cutler and Ryan Tannehill, Gase will get a chance to work with Justin Herbert in Los Angeles under recently hired Chargers offensive coordinator and former Dolphins head coach Mike McDaniel.