Adam Gase is returning to the NFL sidelines after a five-year absence. The former Detroit Lions assistant and one-time head coach of the Miami Dolphins and New York Jets is set to join the Los Angeles Chargers as an offensive assistant, where he will concentrate on the passing game.

A Michigan native, Gase attended Michigan State University after graduating from Marshall High School. Now 47, he has not coached in the league since being dismissed by the Jets following the 2020 season.

Gase’s earlier NFL experience includes a stint in Detroit more than two decades ago. He began in the Lions’ scouting department from 2003 to 2005, then transitioned to an offensive assistant role in 2005 and 2006 before coaching quarterbacks in 2007. In a 2014 interview with MLive during his time as offensive coordinator for Peyton Manning and the Denver Broncos—who reached the Super Bowl that season—Gase reflected on his path from Michigan State to the NFL coaching ranks.

He earned his first head coaching position with the Dolphins in 2016 and immediately led the team to a 10-win season and a playoff appearance. However, Miami posted 6-10 and 7-9 records over the next two years, and he was let go after the 2018 season concluded with a lopsided loss to the Buffalo Bills.

Gase quickly secured another opportunity, taking over as head coach of the Jets in hopes of developing young quarterback Sam Darnold. The team finished 7-9 in his first year but struggled mightily the following season, starting 0-13 and ending 2-14. He was dismissed after two seasons in New York. Over five years as an NFL head coach, Gase compiled a 32-48 record and made one postseason appearance.

With the Chargers, Gase will be part of Jim Harbaugh’s revamped offensive staff. Former Dolphins coach Mike McDaniel has been named offensive coordinator, and Gase’s experience is expected to support quarterback Justin Herbert and bolster the team’s aerial attack.