At least one guy turned down the Patriots’ offensive coordinator job
This is reality for the worst teams in football.
According to a new report by Albert Breer at SI.com, Nick Caley was offered the Patriots’ offensive coordinator job at a “very competitive salary,” but ultimately decided to stay on as the Los Angeles Rams’ tight ends coach. The report was framed as Rams-centric, with retaining Caley described as “a coup for Sean McVay.” But from the Patriots’ perspective, it’s a tough development that one of, if not the first choice for offensive coordinator said no thanks.
MORE: Which quarterback prospects fit what Alex Van Pelt wants?
“Caley had such a good experience last year with the Rams, that the idea of leaving was more difficult than turning down a coordinator job,” Breer wrote.
Jun 14, 2023; Thousand Oaks, CA, USA; Los Angeles Rams tight ends coach Nick Caley and tight end Christian Sims (46) during minicamp at Cal Lutheran University. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports
The Patriots ultimately hired Alex Van Pelt, who was at best their second choice to run the offense. Van Pelt is going to play a big role in reshaping the quarterback room for the Patriots, so the hope is he turns out to be the right choice, and possibly a better route than hiring Caley would’ve been.
It’s hard to blame Caley for being hesitant toward running the Patriots offense. Perhaps he wasn’t so hot on the idea of having to find a new quarterback, or try to make it work with Mac Jones or Bailey Zappe. Throw that on top of a lack of weapons and tackles, and you have a less-than-desirable destination for up-and-coming OCs.
MORE: The Patriots really want to keep one core player
We probably should’ve seen a hire more along the lines of Van Pelt coming the whole time.
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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.
How will Eliot Wolf 'weaponize the offense' in New England?
ATLANTA, GEORGIA – OCTOBER 28: Drake Maye #10 of the North Carolina Tar Heels looks to pass against the Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets during the second quarter at Bobby Dodd Stadium on October 28, 2023 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images)
“I think it’s a really good year for quarterbacks,” Wolf said when asked about this class. “Like any position, we’re going to evaluate their strengths and weaknesses and determine who fits for us.”
Wolf added that an important part of making that determination will be getting to know the quarterbacks as players. The Patriots are expected to meet with all three top quarterbacks in the draft – USC’s Caleb Williams, UNC’s Drake Maye, and LSU’s Jayden Daniels – and Wolf added they could have additional pre-draft meetings as well.
Despite having not met any of the top quarterbacks in person though, Wolf said part of the reason he likes this class is what he sees in their mental makeup. “One thing about the quarterbacks in this draft specifically that I’m excited about – they all look like they’re really tough guys,” Wolf explained.
Does this all point to the Patriots taking a quarterback in the first round to being the “weaponization” of the Patriots’ offense? Wolf highlighted the value of taking a quarterback with the team’s first pick league-wide.
“When you look throughout the league, most of the quarterbacks are first-rounders,” Wolf noted. “I think the league-wide understanding of how important that position is and how important it is to have somebody there that can help you win games and get over the hump has changed league-wide.”
SOUTH BEND, INDIANA – SEPTEMBER 23: Marvin Harrison Jr. #18 of the Ohio State Buckeyes in action against the Notre Dame Fighting Irish during the second half at Notre Dame Stadium on September 23, 2023 in South Bend, Indiana. (Photo by Michael Reaves/Getty Images)
Wolf didn’t just talk about the quarterbacks at the top of the draft though. He was also asked about Ohio State wide receiver Marvin Harrison Jr., who is also projected to be a top five pick.
“He’s a good player. There’s obviously a lot of strengths to his game” Wolf replied. “He can translate to any offense in the NFL.”
The one position of need Wolf wasn’t asked about – as it relates to the draft – was offensive tackle. However he did address the position internally, calling pending free agent Michael Onwenu a “cornerstone” and adding that “it’s no secret we want to keep him.”
Talking about “weaponizing” the offense is one thing, but doing it is another. Patriots fans won’t have to wait long to start seeing Wolf’s vision take shape. The Combine usually marks the start of regular free agency rumors, leading up to the start of the legal tampering period on March 11. From there, it’s about another month and a half until the NFL Draft.
