Miami Dolphins hire Adam Gase as head coach

The Miami Dolphins today announced that Adam Gase has been named the 12th head coach in franchise history.

"We’re looking for guys that want to invest in winning," said Gase. "It’s going to be critical that guys come in here day-in and day-out and understand that’s what we want. We’re looking for competitors every day we step into the building when we start in the spring.”

Gase comes to Miami from the Chicago Bears, where he served as offensive coordinator during the 2015 season. The Bears implemented more of a balanced offensive attack that improved the team’s rushing totals from No. 27 to No. 11, as the unit averaged 25.6 more rushing yards per game under Gase. Quarterback Jay Cutler’s yards per attempt increased by 0.8, the second largest one-year increase in Cutler’s career. He also threw seven fewer interceptions than the previous season.

“We did exhaustive research on all of the candidates ahead of time and conducted thorough and detailed interviews with each person,” Dolphins Owner Stephen Ross said. “In the end, I was convinced and the search committee was unanimous Adam was the right leader for our football team who best met all of our priorities. He has high-energy is competitive and driven to win with a mindset of teaching and developing players.  ”

Gase was the offensive coordinator for one of the most productive offenses in NFL history. While Gase was the Denver Broncos’ offensive coordinator in 2013 and 2014, the Broncos led the NFL in scoring offense (34.0 points per game), total offense (430.1 yards per game), and passing offense (315.8 yards per game).

In 2013, the Broncos set 14 total NFL records for offense in scoring, including total points (606) and touchdowns (76). The explosive offense helped Denver finish the regular season 13-3, winning the AFC West and earning the top seed in the AFC playoffs, where the Broncos won the conference title and played in Super Bowl XLVIII.

Gase plans to be calling the plays for Miami next season as well.

"I’ll call the offensive plays," said Gase. "I feel like I’ve been doing it for the last three years. I really enjoy it. I really enjoy that aspect of putting the game plan together with the offensive staff."

In addition to setting NFL team records, Gase also helped quarterback Peyton Manning have the most prolific season of any quarterback in NFL history. Manning’s 5,477 passing yards and 55 passing touchdowns were both NFL records that still stand today. Manning earned his fifth NFL MVP award and also was honored as the Maxwell Club Player of the Year and AP Offensive Player of the Year.

During his two seasons as offensive coordinator, seven players from the Broncos offense were named to the Pro Bowl: RB C.J. Anderson (2014), T Ryan Clady (2014), Manning (2013-14), WR Emmanuel Sanders (2014), WR Demaryius Thomas (2013-14), TE Julius Thomas (2013-14) and G Louis Vasquez (2013).

Gase spent six years on the Broncos staff, serving as wide receivers coach (2009-10), quarterbacks coach (2011-12) and offensive coordinator (2013-14).

Although Gase never played in the NFL himself, he does not see that as an issue when it comes to commanding the respect of his team.

“I learned a long time ago it’s about what you can teach players, the knowledge you have, (and) the work ethic you have," said Gase. "Jon Kitna told me in 2007, he said ‘Players don’t care what you’ve done in the past. They want to know how you can help them on the field, how can you make them a better player and how can you get them paid.’ If you can do those types of things, guys will respect that.”

By Staff of TheDailySportsHerald.com and news services