DeMeco Ryans made went in with a plan to find his next offensive coordinator following the firing of Bobby Slowik. There were criteria and boxes that must have fit the model to even qualify for the job.
Seven candidates reportedly interviewed for the opening following the Texans’ demise in the divisional round. Multiple names impressed, but as the process continued, Ryans continued to come back to one candidate that stood above the rest.
Nick Caley fit what Ryans needed for his offense. Meanwhile, Houston fit what Caley wanted in an organziation.
“I couldn’t be more excited to welcome Nick Caley as our new offensive coordinator,” Ryans said Thursday at Caley’s opening press conference. “He brings a wealth of knowledge. Smart coach. He’s coached on the defensive side. Offense, coached multiple positions and worked with a lot of different people. Various schemes, not just beholden to one scheme. He’s very well versed in run game, pass game, protection.
“I can’t wait for our players to get here and work with him. I know they’ll feel his energy and his excitement and what he is able to bring to our team.”
Caley, who spent the past two seasons working under Sean McVay in Los Angeles, will replace Bobby Slowik as the new man in command of the offense. His background might come from the McVay coaching tree, but he previously spent seven seasons honing his craft under Bill Belichick as a member of the New England Patriots.
Will the offense scheme be more derived from the teachings from New England? Will he lean more into the up-tempo of Los Angeles’ approach?
“It is going to be Houston’s,” Caley said of the design. “It is going to be our scheme based on what we do. I don’t say that to throw any curveballs. It really is.”
Caley and Ryans spent roughly 30 minutes discussing the hiring, the decision to fire Slowik, the promotion of offensive line coach Cole Popovich and the future of offense. Here are some of the top quotes from Ryans in his first press conference of the offseason.