Adam Gase’s tenure as head coach of the Miami Dolphins has come to an end after three seasons.
The Dolphins confirmed the 40-year-old’s firing after a disappointing 7-9 record in 2018, via Adam Beasley of the Miami Herald:
Per the team, general manager Chris Grier will be in charge of football operations, with executive vice president of football operations Mike Tannenbaum reassigned within the organization. Ian Rapoport of NFL Network first reported Gase’s exit.
With Gase out in Miami, Jeff Darlington of NFL Network reported Cleveland Browns owner Jimmy Haslam is interested in his services after a recommendation from Peyton Manning.
Not only that, but Adam Schefter of ESPN also reported Gase has already heard “from the majority of teams” with head coach openings and that Gase is “expected” to start interviews this week.
Omar Kelly of the South Florida Sun-Sentinel reported Dolphins players were “tremendously bothered by Adam Gase’s loyalty and excuse making for Ryan Tannehill. He lost a lot of support in the locker room in the second half of this season. It became clear players didn’t want Gase back, and aren’t Tannehill fans.”
Rumors about the Dolphins undergoing a makeover in the front office and coaching staff persisted over the last few weeks of the season.
Prior to Week 16, Jason La Canfora of CBS Sports reported Ross was considering “sweeping changes,” with only general manager Chris Grier believed to be safe. Gase and Tannenbaum were said to be in the most immediate danger.
Leading into the final week of the season, Armando Salguero of the Miami Herald reported Tannenbaum was the one most likely to lose his job and, “barring some unexpected circumstance,” Gase would be retained.
Instead, Miami will go in search of its sixth full-time head coach since 2005. The franchise has been mired in mediocrity since a run of five straight playoff appearances from 1997-2001.
The Dolphins have just five winning seasons and two postseason berths in the past 17 years. Gase looked like he could be the long-term answer after going 10-6 with a wild-card berth in 2016, but he’s won just 13 games over the past two seasons combined.
One big problem during Gase’s tenure was the quarterback position. Tannehill’s development stalled after he threw for 4,208 yards and 24 touchdowns in 2015.
During his absence in 2017 because of a torn ACL, the reunion of Gase and Jay Cutler turned into a disaster.
Rather than try to see what Gase could do in 2019 with a potential new quarterback, the Dolphins will look to find a head coach and offensive system to develop a franchise signal-caller and build a roster capable of competing with the New England Patriots in the AFC East.
Gase’s background as an offensive-minded coach in a league that leans more on offense than ever should allow him to make a swift return to the sidelines.
Leave a Reply