TRENDING: Before hiring Alex Van Pelt, the Patriots offered Nick Caley the position of offensive coordinator, according to a report

Rather than going back to New England, Caley stuck with the Rams.

Earlier this offseason, the New England Patriots hired Alex Van Pelt as their new offensive coordinator, although it seems like they had other ideas at first. As per Sports Illustrated’s Albert Breer’s report, Nick Caley, the coach of the Los Angeles Rams tight ends, was the first to receive the job offer.

After Bill O’Brien left the Patriots, Caley is said to have interviewed with 12 coaches for the post of offensive coordinator. Throughout the process, Caley was seen as the front-runner. Being the first coach to interview with the team twice—online and at Gillette Stadium—he conducted the first interview with the team.

Jerod Mayo, the new head coach, seemed to be pleased with Caley’s qualifications and was willing to take him on as a first-year coordinator.

The 41-year-old, who had previously coached at New England for eight years before departing prior of the 2023 season, chose to stay in Los Angeles instead of going back there. This thus made it possible for Van Pelt to acquire employment.

Over the weekend of the conference championship games, Caley came to New England for a second interview with the Patriots, with whom he worked from 2015 to 22. Jerod Mayo, an old colleague, made an offer to Caley to become the team’s offensive coordinator. Also, Mayo showed him respect by offering him a highly competitive wage for the position.

It was difficult to refuse. However, Caley had such a positive experience with the Rams the previous season that it was harder for him to consider leaving than declining a coordinator position.

This offseason, Caley wasn’t the only coach to decline a job offer from the Patriots.

In addition, the organization extended an offer to Atlanta Falcons assistant Marquice Williams to become special teams coordinator and kept Steve Belichick, the de facto co-defensive coordinator and former linebackers coach. While Belichick went to take a position as the official defensive coordinator at the University of Washington, Williams made the decision to remain in Atlanta under the direction of new head coach Raheem Morris.

Under Sean McVay, Caley will have a larger role as a member of the Rams coaching staff. In addition to his duties managing the tight ends, he was designated pass game coordinator after opting to remain in his current location rather than rejoin the Patriots.

In contrast, New England hired Alex Van Pelt a few days following Caley’s in-person interview. He was relieved of his responsibilities as offensive coordinator after the Cleveland Browns’ playoff exit, where he had served for the previous four seasons.