Why now, Christopher Johnson?

Why announce that Adam Gase will be your head coach in 2020 now?

More than anyone else, it is Sam Darnold who has saved Adam Gase. Darnold told The Post Sunday after beating the Giants that he wanted Gase to guide and develop him next season. He has gotten his wish.

The question remains: Even if the decision is good for the franchise quarterback, is it good for the rest of the team?

While it is sensible to pay heed to your young crown jewel quarterback’s distaste at having to learn a third offensive system in three years, what is mind-boggling about Johnson’s impromptu removal of Gase from the hot seat is this:

He made up his mind after the Dolphins disgrace and before the win over the Giants.

Johnson said it was last Wednesday when he informed the team that Adam Must Stay.

Even if the Jets finish 2-14, Adam Will Stay.

Why now?

There is no reason for Johnson, who used GM Joe Douglas as part of his argument, to make the commitment now.

“Adam has the trust of this team, he has the trust of Sam, he has Joe’s trust, he has my trust,” Johnson said.

Adam has Joe’s trust because he hired Joe.

Why does he have the owner’s trust at 2-7? Why did he have it at 1-7?

“He’s a good man, he’s a good coach,” Johnson said.

He’s a good man, yes. He’s a 2-7 coach this season, 25-32 for his career.

Darnold only emerged from his regression against the Giants. The offense has been offensive.

“Seeing him work with Sam just as a small portion of this question gives me a lot of confidence in that,” Johnson said. “Seeing him work with Joe, it’s a whole new dynamic in this building. It’s a really positive dynamic. They have the same vision for this team going forward.”

Douglas is the GM because Gase and fired GM Mike Maccagnan didn’t have the same dynamic or vision.

Gase will be the coach because Darnold wants him to be the coach, period.

Darnold is the reason why Gase and Douglas came to the Jets.

Darnold is The Franchise.

Darnold loves Gase.

“You see him on the sidelines, at practice, in games, working through stuff,” Johnson said. “I’ve talked with Sam about Adam. I will keep those discussions to myself. But they’re encouraging.”

In other words, Darnold told Johnson what he told me Sunday at his locker: “I think it’s definitely important to keep a head coach. I’m not in the position to making decisions like that.”

But when I mentioned that his opinion might carry weight, Darnold replied: “Yeah, I know it does, but at the same time, that’s out of my power. But I would definitely love to see him. He’s a great head coach, he’s a great play-caller, and we get along really well. “

Your wish is the owner’s command.

“It’s absolutely important,” Johnson said of keeping stability for Darnold, “but that’s not why I’m keeping Adam. But that’s certainly a component. Changing systems year after year is just a disaster for a young quarterback especially.”

No argument there.

But how can we be sure Darnold won’t revert to regression down the stretch?

The owner always reserves the right to change his mind, but how wishy-washy and disingenuous would he be if he did now?

“We’ve had a lot of adversity,” Johnson said. “Sam hasn’t been given the best opportunity to thrive. We’ve had so many moving parts on the offensive line that I think it’s affected his ability to play as he would like.”

How can anyone be certain the team will not fracture?

“There has never been a moment of finger-pointing,” Johnson said.

The burden of proof remains on Gase to enable Darnold to make that elusive second-year leap.

“Why now?” is the overriding question too many angry Jets fans will be asking.

In one sense, it is good that Johnson has the courage of his convictions and does not let public outrage dictate his decision-making. On another hand, you could argue that he’s all but flipping the bird to paying customers who want Gase one-and-done.

“I’m frustrated, too. I hate to lose,” Johnson said.

Everyone hates to lose.

“It’s said that you are what your record says you are,” Johnson said. “That’s not very impressive. But looking forward, I think that this is gonna be a good team. I have so much faith in Adam and Joe to put together a great future for us.”

Based on what, exactly?

Sam Old Jets.

Why now?