Patriots Coach Nick Caley Interviews With Texans; Who Fills Position?

New England tight ends coach Nick Caley is the team's longest-tenured offensive assistant.

New England Patriots tight ends coach Nick Caley might be headed out of town after all. 

With his Pats’ contract about to expire this month, Caley reportedly interviewed with the Houston Texans Wednesday for a spot on the staff of newly-hired head coach DeMeco Ryans. 

Caley had previously been rumored as a potential coaching candidate in Houston — especially if the Texans had hired Philadelphia Eagles' offensive coordinator Jonathan Gannon as their head coach. Though Ryans’ hiring was thought to have removed Caley from Houston’s radar, it should be noted that Texans general manager Nick Caserio and Caley share a pair of connections; both in their time with the Patriots, as well as being alumni of John Carroll University.

Caley has quietly become a hot coaching commodity, having been listed on NFL Media’s annual ‘Watch List’ of rising head-coaching candidates under the age 45. 

The 40-year-old is currently the Patriots longest-tenured offensive assistant. He coached at the collegiate level for 10 years before becoming part of the Pats’ staff in 2015. In 2017, he was promoted and became New England’s tight ends coach. Caley added to his resume in 2020, by adding the title of being the team's fullbacks coach in addition to his duties as tight ends coach. Throughout his tenure, he has worked with top-level talent such as Rob Gronkowski, Martellus Bennett, Hunter Henry and Jonnu Smith.

During his time in New England, Caley has earned a solid reputation for his leadership and knowledge among his colleagues, as well as his players. Therefore, it should come as no surprise that he was rumored as a potential candidate to replace Josh McDaniels as New England’s offensive coordinator last offseason. Coach Bill Belichick ultimately decided to fill that void with a combination of Matt Patricia and Joe Judge; though Caley was given some opportunities to call plays during training camp and the preseason.

Earlier this month, Caley interviewed for the Patriots vacant offensive coordinator position, which eventually went to ex-Alabama Crimson Tide OC Bill O'Brien. He also met with the New York Jets regarding their opening. However, the team hired ex-Broncos head coach Nathaniel Hackett last week.

Caley reportedly attempted to join McDaniels — a fellow John Carroll University product — in Las Vegas prior to the start of the 2022 season. However, the Patriots blocked him from doing so. Though a reunion with McDaniels remains possible this offseason, the Raiders have yet to give any indication of moving on form any of their current coaches.

Though technically still under contact, Caley is not among the Patriots coaching contingent in Las Vegas this week to coach the West squad at this year's East-West Shrine Bowl. 

If he has decided to move on from New England, Houston may be his most-likely landing spot. 

---

Follow Mike D’Abate on Twitter @mdabateNFL and Listen/Subscribe to his daily podcast: Locked On Patriots

New England and beyond! Get your Patriots game tickets from SI Tickets ... here!

Follow Patriots Country on Twitter and Facebook

Want the latest in breaking news and insider information on the Patriots? Click Here

More Patriots coverage from Sports Illustrated here.