The Gase family’s previous two stops were Denver and Chicago, but now Gase has a five-year deal in sunny Miami. (Facebook)
The Miami Dolphins have ended their head coaching search, and are the first NFL team to land their new man for 2016. They’ve hired Adam Gase, who has been a valuable offensive mind in both Denver and Chicago under John Fox. Gase is heading to Miami on a five-year deal, where his first task will be righting the ship in the development of quarterback Ryan Tannehill.
Between Adam and his wife, Jennifer, The Gases are a football family. Jennifer’s dad is Joe Vitt, the New Orleans Saints assistant who coached the team on an interim basis in 2012.
Here’s what you need to know about Adam and Jennifer:
1. Adam & Jennifer Met at a Golf Tournament
Gase has been working in football since he was 18, when he cut film for Nick Saban. (Facebook)
Adam first met Jennifer at a golf tournament in Columbus, Ohio in 2010.
Gase was already on his way to the NFL then, having started his coaching experience at 18 years old. That’s when he got his first job in football, cutting game film for Nick Saban at Michigan State while he was still a student.
2. Jennifer’s Dad is a Veteran NFL Coach
Gase met Jennifer at a golf tournament, not knowing her father was an NFL coach. (Facebook)
Originally Jennifer Vitt, her father is longtime Saints assistant coach Joe Vitt. Vitt has been in the NFL for over 30 years, starting as a strength coach and serving as a Saints assistant since 2006.
Vitt made headlines when he was involved in the 2012 Saints bounty scandal. Sean Payton was suspended for the year and made Joe Vitt the interim coach, only to see Vitt suspended for six games as well. Aaron Kromer served as coach in Vitt’s absence, and he returned to lead to the Saints to a 5-5 record.
3. Joe Vitt Gave Adam His Wedding Blessing Before He Asked
Adam and Jennifer have been together since 2010. (Facebook)
The couple had only been dating for three months before Gase first met his future father-in-law at the 2008 Senior Bowl. He was having dinner with Sean Payton and a few other coaches, before everyone at the table cleared. Suddenly, it was just Vitt and Gase alone at the table.
Vitt then gave Gase permission to marry his daughter. It was the first time they had ever met. Gase recalled the experience before Super Bowl 48.
“So I’m leaving the Senior Bowl, and I call Jen and say, ‘Hey, your dad gave me permission to marry you,’ and she goes, ‘What … you asked him?’ I told her no. I don’t know if it was too many vinos or what.”
Gase actually did propose, with Vitt’s blessing, just three months later.
4. The Couple Have Three Children
Adam and Jennifer have three children. (Facebook)
Jennifer’s Facebook is flooded with pictures of her three children. Jennifer and Adam have three children, their most recent being born in February of 2012.
5. Adam is the NFL’s Youngest Head Coach
When he joins the Dolphins, Gase will be the youngest NFL head coach at 37. He has been in the NFL since 2003, when he joined the Detroit Lions as a scouting assistant. He moved up the offensive ranks from there, and will now take the reigns of one of the league’s most recognized franchises.