Patriots: Adam Gase being mentioned as potential Josh McDaniels replacement is terrifying
By Jerry Trotta
We seriously hope the Patriots don’t hire Adam Gase as Josh McDaniels’ potential replacement.
The New England Patriots will have a lot on their plate this offseason. From sorting out the best way to address the quarterback position — whether it be through trade, free agency or the draft — to signing a defensive end, wide receiver and tight end, they figure to be extremely busy at the start of the new league year.
As if that wasn’t already enough pressure, the Patriots might also have to find a new offensive coordinator, as Josh McDaniels has been reported as one of the lead candidates for the Eagles’ head coaching job after he spent the duration of Sunday interviewing with their braintrust.
McDaniels has disclosed his desire to become a head coach again, so you have to think he’ll take the job if Philadelphia makes him a compelling offer. He’s been a hot commodity on the coaching carousel for several years now, so the Patriots likely have something in the works in terms of having his replacement lined up, right?
They actually do, but the name won’t thrill fans in the slightest. Per Doug Kyed of NESN, former Jets head coach Adam Gase is gaining steam as a candidate if McDaniels was to leave.
From in-house options to outside candidates, here are some possible coaches who could take over the Patriots' offensive coordinator job if Josh McDaniels leaves. https://t.co/VKvZqP5FG4
— Doug Kyed (@DougKyed) January 16, 2021
Here’s what Kyed had to say about the Gase rumors.
"“This name might scare some Patriots fans, but former Dolphins and New York Jets head coach Adam Gase could be another potential hire whether or not McDaniels leaves,” he wrote. “Gase worked under McDaniels with the Denver Broncos in 2009 and 2010 and uses the same offensive “language” as the Patriots with Erhardt-Perkins system terminology. Patriots head coach Bill Belichick has effusively praised Gase in the past and checked on his future plans two offseasons ago which makes you say, ‘hmm.’ “"
This rumor is puke-worthy, but it also isn’t the first time Gase has been mentioned as somebody who could join the Patriots’ coaching staff. A few weeks ago, he was tabbed as a potential replacement for quarterbacks coach Jedd Fisch, who was hired as head coach of the Arizona Wildcats after one season in New England.
Is anybody else terrified ? Because we’re terrified. Gase’s shambolic tenure with the Jets is well-documented, but it’s worth reiterating simply because of how his knack for losing and hindering the development of star players doesn’t align with how the Patriots go about their business.
Earlier this year, #Jets coach Adam Gase said he had failed to develop Sam Darnold. What's #Patriots coach Bill Belichick see? "I don't think you could have anybody better coaching him than where he's (Darnold) at." @nflnetwork
— Mike Giardi (@MikeGiardi) December 30, 2020
In 2020, the supposed offensive guru helped the Jets finish dead last in total yards per game (279.9) and points per game (15.2). As impossible as it sounds, they finished last and 31st in those categories last season, so he literally regressed after an historically bad campaign.
Not to mention Gase compiled a 9-23 record over his two years at the helm, which ranks as the second-worst in the league during that span.
We can’t even believe we have to say it because it should be a matter of common sense, but the Patriots might lose the fan base if they hire Gase to pull the strings of their already-lackluster offense. Under no circumstance can the front office let this happen.
