Adam Gase to Bears: Latest Contract Details, Comments and Reaction
Published by Tyler Conway on January 21, 2015
Article Source: Bleacher Report - Chicago Bears
Working with Peyton Manning has typically been referred to as an offensive coach’s dream. Not only is the man in charge trusting perhaps the greatest quarterback in history, but he’s also setting himself up to look smarter in the process.
On Wednesday, Adam Gase, the former Denver Broncos offensive coordinator, agreed to become the next OC of the Chicago Bears, the team announced on Twitter:
Ian Rapoport of NFL Network first reported the agreement and specified it is a three-year deal.
The move will allow him to stick with former Broncos head coach John Fox, who now holds the same position in Chicago.
The 36-year-old has spent more than a decade in the NFL as an assistant, working his way up from scouting assistant to Manning’s right-hand man. Joining the Denver staff in 2009 as a wide receivers coach, Gase ascended to quarterbacks coach and then took over as offensive coordinator when Mike McCoy left for the Chargers post.
In his two seasons, Denver has ranked first and third in Football Outsiders’ DVOA metric. The Broncos made the Super Bowl in 2013 behind the highest-scoring offense in NFL history and were on their way to another prolific season in 2014 before a late-season swoon—partially caused by a thigh injury to Manning.
“He’s a coach that you want to play hard for,” Broncos backup quarterback Brock Osweiler told reporters in December. “He treats you with respect. He makes it fun coming to work, and he’s brilliant at what he does. I hope we’re able to keep him here.”
NFL Network’s Albert Breer added why Manning was a big Gase fan:
Gase has been one of the hottest coaches discussed during a month filled with coaching rumors. The San Francisco 49ers and Atlanta Falcons—considered the two best jobs available this offseason—were prepared to reach out immediately after parting ways with their predecessors. San Francisco went to the NFC Championship Game three straight seasons before an 8-8 stall-out in 2014, while the Falcons dipped from NFC finalist to consecutive losing campaigns.
Despite strong interest, the 49ers chose to hire Jim Tomsula, their former defensive line coach, over Gase.
Gase inherits Jay Cutler as his new project. After a 5-11 season in which the 31-year-old Cutler tied for the league lead with 18 interceptions, there is a lot of work ahead for Gase.
Although, Gase is familiar with wide receiver Brandon Marshall, who was still in Denver when Gase joined the team in 2009. With Cutler, Marshall, Alshon Jeffery and Matt Forte at his disposal, there certainly won’t be a lack of talent for Gase to coach. Now it’s up to him to ensure all the pieces of the puzzle fit correctly.
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