Insider explains why Patriots passed on Nick Caley for OC position

As recently as two weeks ago, Los Angeles Rams tight ends coach Nick Caley was the front-runner to succeed Bill O’Brien as the offensive coordinator of the New England Patriots.

But four days ago, the team hired Alex Van Pelt for the position, squashing a reunion between New England and Caley, its former tight ends and fullbacks coach. 

Though Caley to the Pats seemed to be an eventuality at one point, Boston Sports Journal’s Greg Bedard suggested the Patriots passed on hiring Caley for the same reason many teams reportedly passed on hiring Detroit Lions offensive coordinator Ben Johnson as their head coach.

“Everyone else had options, including Nick Caley, who appeared to be the leading candidate for a while,” Bedard wrote. “Did he ask for too much money, even more than Bill O’Brien earned, to leave Sean McVay’s staff and L.A., where his family was enjoying life? That was the prevalent rumor at the Senior Bowl.”