PHILADELPHIA (973espn.com) — If Adam Gase is ultimately elected by the constituency of Jeffrey Lurie, Howie Roseman and Don Smolenski as the Eagles' next head coach, it will not because he was running unopposed.

The highly-regarded Chicago Bears offensive coordinator left the NovaCare Complex Tuesday afternoon and will continue to meet with other organizations about their respective head-coaching jobs.

Gase was the first outsider brought in by Philadelphia for its current search and the third interview overall since Chip Kelly was fired a week ago.

Eagles running backs coach Duce Staley got the first crack at the job late last week but isn't a serious contender. and interim head coach Pat Shurmur got a chance to argue why he should be elevated on Monday.

Two NFL sources confirmed to 973espn.com that the strange timing of Kelly's firing was at least in part to get first in line for Gase, who has interviews set up later this week in Miami and Cleveland. The New York Giants have now also requested permission to talk with the 37-year-old offensive guru, who did a great job with the Bears' Jay Cutler this season and helped Denver get to Super Bowl XLVIII as its offensive coordinator.

The Eagles confirmed Gase's interview late Tuesday afternoon.

What's known is that he will continue to make the rounds, reportedly with the Browns on Wednesday and the Dolphins Thursday.

Whether Gase didn't hit a home run here in his opportunity or simply wanted to listen to his other options well likely be unveiled in the coming days.

If Philadelphia moves away from Gase, others reportedly on the wish list include Lions defensive coordinator Teryl Austin, Giants offensive coordinator Ben McAdoo and Buccaneers offensive coordinator Dirk Koetter.

Carolina defensive coordinator Sean McDermott has shown interest in the job as has veteran Super Bowl-winning coach Mike Shanahan but that is one-way street for now as is the Eagles reported fixation with current Saints coach Sean Payton.

-John McMullen covers the Eagles and the NFL for 973ESPN.com. You can reach him at jmcmullen44@gmail.com or on Twitter @JFMcMullen

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