Texans Interview Patriots Coach Nick Caley; Joining DeMeco Ryans' Staff?

New England Patriots tight ends coach Nick Caley has quietly become a hot coaching commodity. Could he join the Houston Texans?

The Houston Texans may be in line to once again tap into a familiar coaching tree for a senior spot on their coaching staff. 

Just one day removed from hiring ex-San Francisco 49ers defensive coordinator DeMeco Ryans as head coach, the Texans have reportedly interviewed New England Patriots tight ends coach Nick Caley for a spot on their offensive coaching staff. 

The long-time Bill Belichick associate 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. His contract with the Patriots is set to expire this month.

Caley has been rumored to be a potential candidate for a Texans’ coaching position since former coach Lovie Smith was dismissed at the conclusion of the 2022 regular season. This was especially true if the Texans had hired Philadelphia Eagles defensive coordinator Jonathan Gannon, who recently expressed his desire to remain in his current position. 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.

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 team’s 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 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 has also been linked to the Las Vegas Raiders in recent months. He 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 given no indication of moving on from any of their current coaches.

Though technically still under contract, 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 should be intrigued, and pleasantly surprised, by speaking with Caley regarding an open position. 

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Follow Mike D’Abate on Twitter @mdabateNFL

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