Texans To Hire Nick Caley As OC

The Texans are hiring Nick Caley to be their next offensive coordinator, per NFL Network’s Tom Pelissero and Ian Rapoport.

Caley was a longtime assistant in New England under Bill Belichick before being hired by Sean McVay as the Rams’ tight ends coach in 2023. Caley added pass-game coordinator to his title in 2024 and emerged as one of the league’s most coveted offensive coordinator candidates in recent weeks. He interviewed with the Buccaneers and was reportedly the Jets’ top choice, but turned them down in favor of the Texans.

In Houston, Caley will succeed Bobby Slowik, who was fired after the Texans offense took a significant step back last season. Of particular concern was Slowik’s pass protection scheme, which allowed 54 sacks in 2024 (fifth-most in the NFL). The Rams, meanwhile, allowed just 31 sacks (sixth-fewest), though both teams dealt with a rash of injuries along their offensive lines.

Caley is yet another McVay disciple to take on a top coaching job this offseason. His connections to the Texans run even deeper, dating back to his days with the Patriots and his time at John Carroll University, per Jordan Rodrigue of The Athletic. Namely, general manager Nick Caserio is a John Carroll alumnus who later spent time with Caley in New England. C

C.J. Stroud‘s status as a franchise quarterback made the Texans one of the most sought-after OC jobs this hiring cycle, along with the young talent of Nico Collins and Tank Dell at wide receiver. Caley’s main task will be improving an offensive line that struggled in 2024 outside of Pro Bowl left tackle Laremy Tunsil. The Texans will also be hoping that Caley’s history as a tight ends coach will help get the most out of Dalton Schultz, who disappointed in his debut season in Houston.

The Texans conducted a thorough OC search before landing on Caley, considering several internal promotions as well as top candidates from other NFL teams and the college ranks. Below is a full list of their candidates:

• Nick Caley, tight ends coach (Rams): Hired
• Brian Johnson, pass game coordinator (Commanders): Interview requested
• Jerrod Johnson, quarterbacks coach (Texans): Interviewed 1/27
• Chip Kelly, offensive coordinator/quarterbacks coach (Ohio State): Team has interest
• Klint Kubiak, offensive coordinator (Saints): Mentioned as candidate; hired by Seahawks
• Bill Lazor, senior offensive assistant (Texans): Interviewed 1/30
• Thad Lewis, quarterbacks coach (Buccaneers): Interviewed 1/28
• Ben McDaniels, wide receivers coach/pass-game coordinator (Texans): Mentioned as candidate
• Jeff Nixon, offensive coordinator (Syracuse): Interviewed 1/27
• Grant Udinski, assistant quarterbacks coach (Vikings): Interviewed 1/30