With the expected firing of Falcons coach Mike Smith, CBS Sports' Jason La Canfora reported a week ago that Atlanta would gauge the interest of Broncos offensive coordinator Adam Gase. Sounds like the Falcons will have some competition.
That's because the Falcons -- who fired Smith Monday morning -- and the 49ers, who parted ways with Jim Harbaugh on Sunday night, have each asked the Broncos for permission to speak with Gase, according to the NFL Network's Ian Rapoport.
Since the Broncos have a playoff bye, Gase -- if he were so inclined -- could interview for a job this week.
It's unclear, though, if he will. The Browns tried enticing him last offseason, but he declined to interview with them as Denver prepared for the Super Bowl.
There's little question Gase has done good work since he took over Denver's offense in 2012. After ranking No. 1 in offense last year, the Broncos were the fourth-most prolific unit this season, and the emergence of running back C.J. Anderson near the end of 2014 has been a welcome relief as Peyton Manning has begun to struggle.
But you also have to wonder how Gase would perform without Manning in the locker room.
I hope teams interested in hiring Adam Gase realize Peyton Manning doesn't come with him.
— Bart Hubbuch (@BartHubbuch) December 29, 2014
