A method for adapting a continuous time equalizer (CTE) includes determining a gain of a discrete time equalizer (DTE) and determining whether the gain has increased or decreased by more than the threshold amount. Responsive to determining that the gain has increased or decreased by more than the threshold amount, the method includes sequentially configuring the CTE for multiple CTE settings such that gain of the CTE is caused to increase or decrease in a same direction with the change in gain of the DTE. The method also includes determining a separate figure of merit (FOM) for each of the multiple CTE settings and selecting a new CTE setting from the multiple CTE settings based on the FOM for each of the multiple CTE settings.