Gase isn’t sweating his future
Adam Gase came to the New York Jets nearly two years ago on a clear mission.
He was there to win, oversee a consistently productive offense and develop Sam Darnold into a franchise quarterback.
Gase failed on all three counts. And that has the coach likely in his last days on the job.
To his credit, he has maintained the same approach as he has every day since taking over the Jets. He’s focused on the task at hand and not the rumors swirling about his future — and the frequent questions about all the buzz.
“I mean, that’s what it is,” Gase said Wednesday. “I’ve been here two years. I think that started about Week 6 last year.”
He was only half-joking. Gase wasn’t a popular pick among many longsuffering Jets fans who were turned off by the coach’s struggles in three seasons with AFC East rival Miami. His somewhat awkward introductory news conference only fueled the naysayers.
A tough start capped by a strong finish and 7-9 record didn’t instill much confidence. Then came this season’s franchiseworst 0-13 start, Darnold’s regression and the offense’s continued woes. A two-game winning streak won’t help, and WFAN reported Tuesday that Gase has already been told he will be out after the season finale at New England.
“That was news to me,” Gase said. “No one has said that to me.”
ELSEWHERE
●Browns: Cleveland had two more positive COVID-19 tests — including one for an assistant coach – on Wednesday, throwing its schedule into disorder as the team gets ready to play Pittsburgh on Sunday with a spot in the playoffs riding on the outcome. The Browns currently have nine players on the COVID-19 reserve list. The team has not yet identified the positive player and coach Kevin Stefanski would not reveal which of his staff members may have to miss the game.
●Colts: Indianapolis will try to make the playoffs Sunday without left tackle Anthony Castonzo. Coach Frank Reich
announced Wednesday that the former Pro Bowler will have season-ending surgery on his right ankle Thursday.
●Jaguars: Jacksonville coach Doug Marrone
said Wednesday that quarterback Mike Glennon
will start the team’s season finale at Indianapolis instead of Gardner Minshew. He also ruled out rookie running back
James Robinson (ankle); receiver DJ Chark (shin) is iffy.
●Packers: Green Bay claimed veteran defensive tackle Damon “Snacks” Harrison off waivers from Seattle. The Seahawksreleased Harrison after leaving the 32-year-old inactive for their victory over the Rams a day earlier. Harrison later said on social media that he was still interested in playing.
●Vikings: Minnesota running back Dalvin
Cook left the team this week after the unexpected passing of his father, James. The former Florida State Seminole, who also played at Miami Central High, will be in Miami and unavailable for Sunday’s regular-season finale against the Lions.