The Patriots reportedly offered Nick Caley the offensive coordinator job before Alex Van Pelt

It seems the New England Patriots had a top choice for the offensive coordinator opening. And it wasn't Alex Van Pelt. 

According to Sports Illustrated's Albert Breer, Nick Caley was offered the job, but turned it down. He had previously spent time with the Patriots from 2015 to 2022, mostly as a tight end coach, but took the same job with the Los Angeles Rams this past season. And he's now staying put. 

“Caley traveled to New England for a second interview with the Patriots, whom he worked for from 2015–22, over the weekend of the conference title games, and was offered the Patriots offensive coordinator job by his old staffmate Jerod Mayo," Breer wrote. "And he was offered it at a very competitive salary, which reflected the respect Mayo has for him."

“It was tough to say no. But Caley had such a good experience last year with the Rams, that the idea of leaving was more difficult than turning down a coordinator job," he added. "So he stayed, and (Sean) McVay, as I’ve heard the story, was ecstatic that he did (and McVay showed that emphatically on the phone with Caley when he was told he was staying)."

Because of his decision to stay with the Rams, McVay gave Caley the pass-game coorindator title after Zac Robinson went to the Atlanta Falcons to work under Raheem Morris.  

And the Patriots went with Alex Van Pelt who has a clear vision for the offense and comes with a lot of experience. 

So it seems that it worked out for both sides. 

Now let's see if that translates on the field.