5 NFL coaches starting 2020 on the hot seat

5. Adam Gase, New York Jets

Head Coaching Record for NYJ: 7-9 (.438)

This one feels especially ruthless because Gase has been the New York Jets boss for just one season. And, quarterback Sam Darnold missed the first three games of the 2019 season.

Yet, there is not a general sense of optimism about Gase’s leadership. He is rumored to possess a frosty relationship with Jets tailback Le’Veon Bell. Frequent headlines are needed to prove the two are on good terms, which is less than ideal. Where there’s smoke, there’s fire.

Additionally, New York jettisoned its best player, safety Jamal Adams, recently to Seattle (for an impressive haul). Before the trade, Adams engaged in a smear campaign of Adam Gase assuring the masses that he emphatically was not a fan of his head coach. The Jets were compensated handsomely by the Seahawks in the trade but anytime a superstar is despondent, those in leadership positions are suspect. Such is the case for Gase.

Gase will also have to combat the opt-out of four-time Pro Bowl linebacker C.J. Mosley. The optimistic outlook was that Mosley would return from his 2019 injury and anchor the Jets defense. That won’t happen. Mosley bowed out of the 2020 campaign due to coronavirus-related concerns.

All in all, Adam Gase has a career coaching record of 30-34 (.469). If the Jets fail to best their 7-9 showing from 2019, Gase will be a candidate for termination in about five months.