There’s finally an answer on Nick Caley’s future
After a month of speculation, former Patriots tight end coach Nick Caley’s job for the 2023 NFL season is set.
Sep 18, 2022; Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA; New England Patriots tight ends coach Nick Caley looks on from the sidelines against the Pittsburgh Steelers during the second quarter at Acrisure Stadium. Credit: Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports
Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY SportsAfter about a month of speculation, Nick Caley's time with the Patriots has officially come to an end. On Sunday night SI's Albert Breer reported that Caley, who was the Patriots' longest-tenured offensive staffer last year and was the team's tight end coach since 2017, has been hired by the Los Angeles Rams in the same role.
Caley's last few years with the Patriots featured some uncertainty about how he was viewed within the organization. At this time last year he was seen externally as a leading candidate to replace Josh McDaniels as the team's offensive coordinator, a role that ended up going to long-time defensive coach Matt Patricia.
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After the end of the 2022 season Caley's contract expired, leaving his future with the Patriots in doubt. He once again interviewed for the team's offensive coordinator job, which this time ended up going to Bill O'Brien. He also interviewed for the same role with the New York Jets and Houston Texans.
Instead, Caley leaves Foxborough for Los Angeles and a lateral move. According to Breer, Caley "saw the Rams as the best fit."
In New England, Will Lawing is the logical candidate to take over for Caley as the tight ends coach in 2023. Lawing, who was hired last week, was the tight ends coach with Bill O'Brien in Houston in 2019 and 2020. He then worked with O'Brien in Alabama the last two years as an 'offensive analyst.'
This leaves offensive line coach as the last major spot to fill in the Patriots' coaching staff. The team has reportedly interviewed a handful of external candidates in recent weeks. Assistant positional coaches could be added as well. As for the titles of those hired, the Patriots typically reveal the structure of their coaching staff in the days leading up to training camp.
Alex Barth is a writer and digital producer for 985TheSportsHub.com. Any opinions expressed do not necessarily reflect those of 98.5 The Sports Hub, Beasley Media Group, or any subsidiaries. Thoughts? Comments? Questions? Looking for a podcast guest? Let him know on Twitter @RealAlexBarth or via email at abarth@985TheSportsHub.com.
