The Jets filled their head coaching vacancy this week by hiring Aaron Glenn. One of the next major dominoes to fall on the sidelines will be his choice for offensive coordinator. 
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Prior to the Glenn hire being made official, a list of candidates to watch emerged on both sides of the ball. With respect to the OC position, Nick Caley was among them and to no surprise that is still the case at this point. Caley is the leading candidate to take over New York’s offense, Aaron Wilson of KPRC2 reports.
The 42-year-old began coaching in 2005, ultimately working at seven different college programs. Caley’s first NFL opportunity came with the Patriots, and beginning in 2017 he served as the team’s tight ends coach. His eight-year New England tenure ended in 2023 when he was hired by the Rams to fill the same role.
For this past campaign, Caley remained in that capacity while also holding the title of pass game coordinator. Los Angeles ranked 10th in terms of production through the air this season, and Tyler Higbee‘s absence for much of the campaign left Colby Parkinson atop the team’s tight end depth chart. Caley helped the former Seahawk set a new career high in receptions and yards in 2024.
In the event he were to join Glenn’s staff in New York, Caley would take on play-calling responsibilities for the first time in his career. Considering Glenn is a rookie head coach, such a setup would carry a notable degree of risk. Nevertheless, it will be interesting to see if Caley does indeed wind up with the Jets as they look to find better success than Nathaniel Hackett (and, later, Todd Downing) could deliver last season.
Via PFR’s OC/DC tracker, here is an update look at the Jets’ search process:
- Mark Brunell, quarterbacks coach (Lions): Mentioned as candidate
- Nick Caley, tight ends coach (Rams): Mentioned as candidate; frontrunner?
- Klint Kubiak, offensive coordinator (Saints): Mentioned as candidate
- Scott Turner, interim offensive coordinator (Raiders): Mentioned as candidate
From everything I hear about Caley, I’d be on board with this. Worked under Belichick and McVay, and everyone talks about his brains, charisma, and high energy. Sounds like people think he’s a future head coach.
Rookie head coach, rookie offensive coordinator, rookie general manager… why does this all sound so familiar…?