Possibly Seeking a Bill Belichick-Style Reunion: Patriots Set to Interview Rams Coach Nick Caley

In the upcoming season, the New England Patriots are undergoing changes in their coaching staff, and they are considering a familiar face to fill the offensive coordinator position. Nick Caley, the current tight ends coach for the Los Angeles Rams and a former coach with the Patriots from 2015 to 2022, is set to interview with the team on Monday, as reported by ESPN. This move comes in response to the departure of former coordinator Bill O’Brien, who recently took on the same role at Ohio State University under the Patriots’ new head coach, Jerod Mayo.

Caley’s history with the Patriots is extensive, having coached at the collegiate level for a decade before joining the team in 2015. He was promoted to New England’s tight ends coach in 2017 and added the title of fullbacks coach in 2020, concurrently handling responsibilities for both positions. Throughout his tenure, Caley worked with notable talents like Rob Gronkowski, Martellus Bennett, Hunter Henry, and Jonnu Smith.

Renowned for his leadership and knowledge, Caley was previously considered a potential candidate for the Patriots’ offensive coordinator position last offseason when Josh McDaniels left. However, Bill Belichick opted for a combination of Matt Patricia and Joe Judge to fill the void, with Caley given some opportunities to call plays during training camp and the preseason.

Caley’s coaching prowess attracted attention beyond the Patriots’ organization, earning him a spot on NFL Media’s annual ‘Watch List’ of rising head-coaching candidates under the age of 45. Last season, he interviewed with the Houston Texans and the New York Jets, ultimately joining the Rams as their tight ends coach for the 2023 season under coordinator Mike LaFleur and head coach Sean McVay.

If hired as the offensive coordinator for the Patriots, Caley faces the challenging task of revamping one of the least effective offenses in the NFL. Despite O’Brien’s efforts to improve the unit in 2022, the Patriots’ scoring offense further regressed in 2023, finishing last in the league with an average of 13.9 points per game and only 27 touchdowns.

The Patriots are expected to move swiftly in filling key positions on Mayo’s coaching staff, with interviews already conducted or scheduled for roles such as defensive coordinator and special teams coordinator.