Report: Sam Darnold approved Adam Gase hire by Jets

The New York Jets’ hiring of Adam Gase as their next head coach apparently came with the seal of approval from the franchise quarterback.

ESPN’s Jeff Darlington reports that Jets rookie quarterback Sam Darnold spoke with Gase via FaceTime on Monday and felt like Gase was the right guy for the job.

The Jets wanted to make sure they got the right person to help Sam Darnold — and Darnold believes they did.

I’m told Darnold didn’t impose his opinion on GM/ownership, but after speaking with Gase via FaceTime on Monday night, he personally felt like Gase was the right guy.

— Jeff Darlington (@JeffDarlington) January 10, 2019

Gase was hired despite going 23-25 over three seasons in Miami, leading to his firing. His teams went 5-1 against the Jets.

Tampa Bay Buccaneers offensive coordinator Todd Monken, former Green Bay Packers head coach Mike McCarthy, and Baylor head coach Matt Rhule are believed to have been the other finalists for the job.

Not only did Darnold approve the hiring, but Darlington reports that Peyton Manning also advocated for Gase in a phone call with the Jets’ CEO. Gase was the Broncos’ offensive coordinator during Manning’s record-breaking 2013 season.