The Detroit Lions are reportedly showing interest in Adam Gase, the Chicago Bears' offensive coordinator, should the former decide to move on from their head coach Jim Caldwell. CBS Sports' Jason La Canfora reported on Sunday that Gase, who is a product of Michigan State, is a favorite to fill the void of Caldwell's possible departure.
Gase began his professional career with the Lions in 2003 and were said to maintain close ties with "several members of the Lions' front office." La Canfora mentioned that the 37-year-old offensive coordinator is held in high esteem by Ernie Accorsi, a former NFL general manager who also consults for the Lions on GM and coach candidates.
That interest shown by Detroit could apparently be a two-way street as Gase is also intrigued by the opportunity to work with quarterback Matthew Stafford, the report claimed. Gase has gotten a lot of excellent reviews lately while working with Jay Cutler and Peyton Manning.
The Bears assistant was previously a finalist for the 49ers' head coaching position last offseason before San Francisco chose to go internal and hire Jim Tomsula. Gase eventually followed head coach John Fox from the Denver Broncos to Chicago.
However, there is a remote possibility that Caldwell keeps his job with the Lions, Rant Sports noted. His team has played better in the past four weeks, with a three-game winning streak along with a loss to the Green Bay Packers on a hail mary. Rant Sports did mention that Gase is too good a fit to be skipped, and he should be the top candidate to succeed Caldwell next season.
Moving on from the Bears front office to its roster, the club has placed Marquess Wilson on injured reserve on Saturday. This move was seen as a season-ender for the 23-year-old wide receiver who currently deals with a foot injury. Taking his place on the roster is Demontre Hurst, who was promoted from the Bears practice squad.
Wilson was a seventh-round draft pick back in 2013 and is an emerging productive receiver for Chicago in his third pro season. He has set career highs in games played at 11, 28 receptions and 464 receiving yards for this season. He missed last Sunday's match against the San Francisco 49ers after hurting his foot during practice on December 3.
Demontre Hurst appeared in a total of 18 games over two seasons with the team, primarily at Nickelback. He delivered 35 tackles, one interception and one pass break-up along with a forced fumble. The 24-year-old safety will wear No. 30.
