Five years. That’s how long Adam Gase was off an NFL sideline. To be honest, after the disastrous way his head coaching stint with the New York Jets went, it’s not the least bit surprising. So, then what is Jim Harbaugh and the Chargers doing by hiring Adam Gase?

Gase’s coaching history:

Dec 12, 2019; Baltimore, MD, USA; New York Jets head coach Adam Gase during the first half of the game against the Baltimore Ravens at M&T Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Tommy Gilligan-USA TODAY Sports

Gase’s stint in New York was embarrassing, and he was essentially a laughing stock on the way out the door. The Jets have a way of doing this to people, but Gase deserves some blame as well. He finished his two-year tenure with a record of 9-23 after starting his second season 0-13.

From there, Gase took a step back and worked at the football think tank, the 33rd Team. He worked with Bill Belichick and Matt Patricia, so it’s not something that should be taken lightly.

Gase began his coaching career in 2005 and was on an NFL sideline until 2020. With the Miami Dolphins, Gase actually made the postseason and was 16-18 overall. Things then went from bad to worse with the Jets prior to Gase’s reset.

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What Gase brings:

Feb 27, 2019; Indianapolis, IN, USA; New York Jets head coach Adam Gase speaks to media during the 2019 NFL Combine at Indianapolis Convention Center. Mandatory Credit: Trevor Ruszkowski-USA TODAY Sports

From a football perspective, there’s a lot to like with Gase’s offensive mind. That’s a clear strength for him, and it was on display throughout his coaching career. After all, it earned him two chances at being a head coach. The problem for Gase, though, is that there is a lot more to being a head coach than simply being a brilliant offensive mind. And that is where he failed.

The five years away from the sideline should serve Gase well. He now has a true understanding of what worked and what didn’t while refining his perspective. Perhaps more importantly, his offensive mind is even more developed from the work he has been doing.

In his new role in charge of the Los Angeles Chargers passing game, Gase is in the perfect position. He can play to his strength and put all of his knowledge to good use. With Justin Herbert under center, there are plenty of weapons available at his disposal, as well as the mechanism to execute. Gase should be in the perfect position to succeed. Just don’t ask anything more of him. 

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