Bears Prepared For Possibility That Adam Gase Gets Head Coaching Job
By Chris Emma--
LAKE FOREST, Ill. (CBS) -- Jay Cutler surprised Adam Gase recently with a tailor showing up at Halas Hall to get measurements for a custom suit. The Bears quarterback wanted to surprise his offensive coordinator with a gift.
Next week, Gase could be putting that suit to good use. It seems likely that Gase will be a top head-coaching target this offseason, with the possibility for interviews coming once the offseason starts. Asked about such prospects Thursday, Gase declined to delve into details beyond Sunday's season finale with the Lions.
"There's so much that goes into game planning from week to week, it's hard to look past this week," Gase said.
Last offseason, Gase was close to finalizing a deal with the 49ers to become head coach, but management pulled a power play and attempted to force his hand in regards to hiring a staff. In turn, Gase backed out on the opportunity, and San Francisco hired defensive line coach Jim Tomsula.
Gase's name was mentioned for several positions, including the one in Chicago that went to John Fox. Once Gase's window passed, he joined his head coach from Denver with the Bears.
While Gase could consider that a disappointment, he's just 37 years old and is bound for many more opportunities ahead. Fox hired him as offensive coordinator knowing it was likely to be a one-and-done deal. Now, opportunity seems to be knocking again.
"The fact that I went through that experience was good," Gase said of the previous offseason.
As of early Thursday afternoon, the Eagles were the only team with a current vacancy, though it's possible that the Colts, Giants, Lions, Titans and more clubs could have openings by the end of the weekend.
If Gase moves on, the Bears have a potential option on staff in Dowell Loggains, the team's current quarterbacks coach. Loggains has received high praise from Fox and quarterback Jay Cutler.
Speaking on the subject of Gase on Thursday, Cutler acknowledged the strong possibility and spoke highly of his fifth coordinator in Chicago.
"He's going to be good," Cutler said of Gase's head coaching potential. "If he gets that shot, I'm going to be excited for him. He deserves it."
Fox didn't go into specifics with Gase's future but pointed to the ever-constant change of coaching staffs in football. If -- likely when -- Gase moves on, Fox will have options on the table.
On Thursday, the Bears were working for their finale with the Lions and trying to reach 7-9 on the season. Gase kept his focus on constructing a game plan to defeat Detroit, yet it's possible he could be a Lions target if the team elects to dismiss Jim Caldwell.
When next week arrives, Gase may need to put his custom suit to use.
Chris Emma covers the Chicago sports scene and more for CBSChicago.com. Follow him on Twitter @CEmma670 and like his Facebook page.
