5 NFL coaches who could be fired during the 2020 season

3. Adam Gase (New York Jets)

Of all the coaches on this list, there may not be one more unpopular with his own fan base than Adam Gase. The New York Jets were blasted for hiring Gase last year, but owner Christopher Johnson stuck with him after a 1-7 start partially due to a desire to justify his own decision.

Gase rewarded Johnson’s faith by going 6-2 down the stretch, helping raise expectations for 2020. GM Joe Douglas has also done a good job reworking the Jets’ roster over the course of the offseason, rebuilding the offensive line and adding some key pieces to New York’s defense.

Finances likely played a role in Johnson’s decision as well since firing Gase in the middle of 2019 would mean that the Jets would have had to pay three head coaches and two general managers until the end of 2020, when the deals of Todd Bowles and Mike Maccagnan come off the books. That financial consideration wouldn’t be as much of a problem this season since there is light at the end of the tunnel with the financials for Johnson.

The Jets also need to demonstrate significant offensive progress since Gase’s key to job security is the development of quarterback Sam Darnold. If Gase can’t help Darnold improve significantly, he could be shown the door.