A clear favorite has emerged in the NY Jets offensive coordinator search

New NY Jets head coach Aaron Glenn is wasting no time putting together a shortlist for his first coaching staff with the organization. Glenn has made a number of calls over the last few days, even before he was hired, reaching out to potential candidates to join him in Florham Park.

Given Glenn's defensive background, his most important hire might be at offensive coordinator. The Jets are considering several notable candidates for the role, but one name has reportedly emerged as the frontrunner.

The Athletic's Zack Rosenblatt reported on Thursday that Los Angeles Rams passing game coordinator and tight ends coach Nick Caley is currently "viewed as the favorite" for the position.

A longtime New England Patriots assistant, Caley previously interviewed for the Jets' offensive coordinator position in 2023 before the team ultimately hired Nathaniel Hackett. Two years later, he might receive another chance.

Nick Caley is the 'favorite' for the NY Jets' offensive coordinator job

After spending a decade at the collegiate level, Caley joined Bill Belichick's staff in New England as an offensive assistant in 2015. He'd go on to serve as both a tight ends and fullbacks coach from 2017 until his departure in 2023.

Caley joined Sean McVay's staff in Los Angeles as a tight ends coach in 2023 before he also being given the role of passing game coordinator this past season. He would interview for the Patriots offensive coordinator job last offseason but was passed over in favor of Alex Van Pelt.

Glenn and the Jets have also reportedly been in contact with Las Vegas Raiders interim offensive coordinator Scott Turner for the position and have been connected to New Orleans Saints offensive coordinator Klint Kubiak.

Kubiak would be an exciting candidate, but he's considered a strong contender for the Seattle Seahawks offensive coordinator position. Other reported candidates include ex-Bears interim coach Thomas Brown, Texans quarterbacks coach Jerrod Johnson, former Chiefs head coach Todd Haley, and Lions quarterbacks coach Mark Brunell.

Caley is regarded as a rising offensive mind in the coaching world, with experience under both Belichick and McVay providing him with a well-rounded understanding of diverse coaching philosophies. That blend of analytics and old-school football philosophy should serve him well as he continues his career.

The Jets will be in contact with Caley and other OC candidates over the coming days. Right now, however, there's a clear early favorite for the position.

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