FLORHAM PARK, N.J. -- Contrary to popular belief, Adam Gase and Mike Maccagnan didn't disagree on everything during their brief, ill-fated partnership as the football leaders of the New York Jets. There was a large swath of common ground between them: Sam Darnold.
Amid the tension of their failed coach-general manager marriage, even as cracks within the organization began to form in March and April, Gase and Maccagnan were united in their enthusiasm about Darnold's long-term potential. Maccagnan entrusted Gase with the raw but gifted player who will be the GM's legacy. (Oh, the irony.