New reports indicate possible favorite for Patriots offensive coordinator job
The New England Patriots’ offensive coordinator search may have a favorite emerging.
Multiple reports indicate that Nick Caley is progressing toward possibly landing the Patriots’ offensive coordinator job. Albert Breer reported on Monday that Caley is expected to have a second interview with the Pats for the opening.
MORE: A Patriots-centric Senior Bowl preview
Prior to that, ESPN’s Mike Reiss said in his Sunday notes column that Caley seems like the top candidate at this point:
Caley, the former longtime Patriots tight ends coach who interviewed for the team’s offensive coordinator job in 2022, is viewed by some close to the process as well-positioned to ultimately lead the offense.
Nick Caley sounds like the top candidate to become the new Patriots offensive coordinator. (Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports)
Caley makes a lot of sense for New England, specifically ownership, due to his familiarity with the organization. He first came to the Pats in 2015 as an offensive assistant, then served as tight ends coach from 2017-22. He spent the 2023 season as the tight ends coach for the Los Angeles Rams under Sean McVay.
If Caley can bring at least some of the McVay philosophy to the Patriots offense, that would certainly be a big plus on top of being a hire that makes the Krafts comfortable. And then, we can wonder whether Caley or the offense will be any good in 2024 and beyond, after bottoming out on that side of the ball in 2023.
For Caley, the move makes a lot of sense because it’s a major step forward to go from tight ends coach straight to offensive coordinator. The question is whether he’s ready for that kind of move. This would feel like a hire that, even though Caley is a known commodity to the Patriots, carries more risk than hiring a quarterbacks coach like the Texans’ Jerrod Johnson, or a pass game coordinator like the Lions’ Tanner Engstrand.
Per Breer, the Patriots are also holding a second interview with Rams special teams assistant Jeremy Springer, who would appear to be the favorite to become the team’s next special teams coordinator.
Get complete New England Patriots coverage at 985TheSportsHub.com.
Matt Dolloff is a writer and podcaster for 985TheSportsHub.com. Any opinions expressed do not necessarily reflect those of 98.5 The Sports Hub, Beasley Media Group, or any subsidiaries. Check out all of Matt’s content.
Mazz's Tiers: Most regrettable comments by Boston sports athletes and executives
Tier 1
BOSTON, MA – JUNE 26: Chairman of the Boston Red Sox Tom Werner and principle owner John Henry walk on the field before the game between the Boston Red Sox and the New York Yankees at Fenway Park on June 26, 2021 in Boston, Massachusetts. (Photo By Winslow Townson/Getty Images)
“Full Throttle” – Tom Werner
“Larry Bird is not walking through that door…” – Rick Pitino
“Travel road trips, and carrying your luggage around isn’t all fun and glory…” – Roger Clemens
“This is a great, great loss. I have to ask myself, maybe I’m not fit to be the Principle owner of the Boston Red Sox” – John Henry
“The last 25 years” – Bill Belichick
Tier 2
May 6, 2019; Boston, MA: Boston Celtics guard Kyrie Irving reacts during the second half in Game 4 of the second round of the 2019 NBA Playoffs against the Milwaukee Bucks at TD Garden. (Greg M. Cooper-USA TODAY Sports)
“F*ck Thanksgiving” – Kyrie Irving
“I won’t be live Marv Levy and coaching in my 70’s. You won’t have to worry about that.” – Bill Belichick
“We’re one of the five teams to be in the second round two straight years>” – Peter Chiarelli
“Where would we put him?” – Lou Gorman on the potential acquisition of Willi McGee.
Tier 3
MINNEAPOLIS, MN – FEBRUARY 04: Head coach Bill Belichick of the New England Patriots looks on during warm-ups prior to Super Bowl LII at U.S. Bank Stadium on February 4, 2018 in Minneapolis, Minnesota. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images)
“I’ll be there on game day” – Ken Sims
“Just tip my hat and call the Yankees my daddy” – Pedro Martinez
“Bridge year” – Theo Epstein
“We spent more days in first place than any team in the division” – Dan Duquette
“We’re not talking about open heart surgery” – Belichick on Tom Brady’s hand injury prior to the AFC Championship game
