The Houston Texans might have a lead on who should take over the offensive playbook.
According to MMQB’s Albert Breer, Rams tight ends coach and pass-game coordinator Nick Caley will interview for the Texans’ offensive coordinator job on Thursday.
Caley has been a fan-favorite among Texans fans and could be the top option on the market among rising offensive minds.
He recently interviewed for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers offensive coordinator opening on Monday following the departure of Liam Coen to Jacksonville.
Caley joined the Rams ahead of the 2023 season after spending six seasons as the tight ends/fullbacks coach for the New England Patriots. He’s considered one of the top influences in developing All-Pro tight end Rob Gronkowski entering the back half of his career.
Sources: Rams pass-game coordinator/tight ends coach Nick Caley interviewed last night for the Buccaneers offensive coordinator job and he’s scheduled to interview for the Texans OC job on Thursday.
(Sean McVay’s keeps growing.)
— Albert Breer (@AlbertBreer) January 29, 2025
In Caley’s first season, Gronkowski led all tight ends in receiving yards (1,084) and yards per reception (15.7) while earning his fifth Pro Bowl nod. He was also named an AP First-Team All-Pro selection.
That same season, fullback James Develin earned his first Pro Bowl nod under Caley’s watch.
As the pass-game coordinator, Caley spent time with Matthew Stafford, who posted strong numbers en route to a division title. The veteran quarterback finished with 20 touchdown passes against eight interceptions and completed 65.8% of his pass attempts.
If I had to make a bet, my $$ is on Nick Caley as next Texans offensive coordinator.
Interviewed for job in ’23, McVay ties, Caserio ties from New England & John Carroll University.
I’d prefer an experienced play-caller/celebrity coordinator though. [pay for Chip!] #HTownMade https://t.co/dWaEFVjoix
— Paul Gallant (@GallantSays) January 29, 2025
Caley’s work with tight ends should benefit the Texans, too. Under his teaching last year, Tyler Higbee broke multiple franchise records for Los Angeles, including surpassing Harold Jackson for 14th all-time receiving yards.
Higbee also passes Jack Snow and Elroy Hirsch, moving into ninth all-time in franchise history in receptions.
Since Caley’s arrival, Higbee’s totaled 55 catches for 461 yards and four touchdowns, though he was limited most of the 2024 season after suffering a torn ACL late last year.
Caley went to John Carroll University, the same alma mater as Texans’ general manager Nick Caserio. He was in New England during Caserio’s time before he departed for Houston in 2021.
When DeMeco Ryans was hired in 2023, Caley initially interviewed for the opening offensive coordinator position before the job landed with Bobby Slowik.
With the interview, Caley will become the fourth person to meet with Houston, joining Buccaneers quarterbacks coach Thad Lewis, Syracuse offensive coordinator Jeff Nixon and Texans quarterbacks coach Jerrod Johnson.