Adam Gase is returning to the NFL coaching ranks after being away from the league for five years. 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 with an emphasis on the passing game.

A Michigan native, Gase graduated from Michigan State University and Marshall High School. Now 47, he has not held an NFL coaching position since being dismissed by the Jets following the 2020 season.

Gase’s NFL journey began more than two decades ago in Detroit. From 2003 to 2005, he worked in the Lions’ scouting department before transitioning to an offensive assistant role from 2005 to 2006. He later coached quarterbacks in 2007. In a 2014 interview with MLive, conducted while he was serving as offensive coordinator for Peyton Manning and the Denver Broncos during their Super Bowl season, Gase reflected on his path from Michigan State to prominent roles within the league.

He earned his first head coaching opportunity with the Dolphins in 2016, guiding Miami to a 10-win season and a playoff appearance in his debut year. However, the team posted 6-10 and 7-9 records over the next two seasons, and he was let go after the 2018 campaign ended with a lopsided defeat to the Buffalo Bills.

Gase quickly secured another head coaching job, this time with the New York Jets, where he aimed to help develop young quarterback Sam Darnold. The Jets finished 7-9 in his first season but struggled mightily the following year, starting 0-13 and ending 2-14. He was dismissed after two seasons in New York. Over five years as a head coach, Gase compiled a 32-48 record and made one postseason appearance.

With his hiring in Los Angeles, Gase becomes part of Jim Harbaugh’s revamped offensive staff. He will work alongside offensive coordinator Mike McDaniel, another former Dolphins coach, contributing his experience to support quarterback Justin Herbert and strengthen the Chargers’ aerial attack.