The New England Patriots search for a new offensive coordinator could land on a surprising hire, with Adam Gase reportedly a candidate to replace Josh McDaniels.
Gase, the former Miami Dolphins and New York Jets head coach, took the 2021 season off from the NFL and seemingly stayed away from football. He could now be looking for a way to get back into the game with a job available on Bill Belichick’s staff.
NFL Network’s Mike Giardi reports that Gase’s name is popping up in the Patriots’ search for an offensive coordinator. While an internal promotion remains possible, Gase is a very real candidate.
Most will remember Gase’s failed stints as head coach in Miami and New York. But the 43-year-old is still respected around the NFL for his offensive mind, even earning praise from Belichick in the past.
“I have a lot of respect for Adam. I think he’s a very good coach. He’s always been tough to coach against. He’s always made things difficult on our defense. He goes back to Josh in Denver, so we’ve known each other for a while through a mutual connection there. But I think he’s done an excellent job. I thought he did a good job with Miami. I think he did a good job with the Jets. He’s, as I said, a coach I have a lot of respect for, and he gives us a lot of problems and is a tough coach to coach against. That’s really the way I feel about him.”
New England Patriots head coach Bill Belichick on Josh McDaniels, via NESN
It remains to be seen if Gase will land an interview with New England as Alabama Crimson Tide offensive coordinator Bill O’Brien is the favorite to replace McDaniels. But if Gase wants to rebuild his image, joining Belichick’s staff as OC or as quarterbacks coach could be a way to accomplish that.
