NY Jets OC frontrunner drawing stellar comparisons to Sean McVay

The NY Jets have their head coach. The team reportedly agreed to terms on a five-year deal with former Pro Bowl cornerback Aaron Glenn on Wednesday, ushering in a new era for the franchise. The next step for Glenn will be putting together his first staff as a head coach.

It's easier said than done. Glenn has vast connections around the NFL world, but it's often said that a head coach is only as good as his staff. In Glenn's case, his most important hire will be at offensive coordinator.

The Jets have been connected to a variety of names over the last few days, but one candidate seems to have emerged as the frontrunner: Los Angeles Rams passing game coordinator/tight ends coach Nick Caley.

Caley is widely viewed as the favorite for the Jets' offensive coordinator job, a hire that many believe would be a huge pickup for the organization. He's even drawn comparisons to one of the most impressive offensive minds in the sport.

NY Jets OC candidate Nick Caley is being compared to Sean McVay

On a recent episode of The Athletic Football Show podcast, host Robert Mays likened Caley to Rams head coach Sean McVay. Mays described Caley as the "No. 1 offensive coordinator prospect in the NFL," stating that if he had to trust his offense to any coach who hasn’t been an OC yet, Caley would be his top choice.

"When you leave a conversation with Nick, it’s kind of like leaving a conversation with Sean McVay."

Robert Mays

That’s high praise for someone who has rapidly earned a reputation as one of the NFL’s most promising young offensive minds. Jets fans hoping to get insight into Caley as a candidate would find Mays’ full comments particularly enlightening.

Caley is a Bill Belichick disciple who joined the New England Patriots as an offensive assistant in 2015 after a decade in the college ranks. He would primarily serve as a tight ends coach and fullbacks coach for the team before leaving in 2023 to join McVay and the Rams.

Caley actually interviewed for the Jets and Houston Texans offensive coordinator jobs in 2023 but ultimately decided to join McVay's staff as the team's tight ends coach.

Mays reports that Caley was offered the Patriots' offensive coordinator job last offseason but declined, instead receiving a promotion to passing game coordinator (on top of his previous role) with the Rams. That move proved to be a prudent decision.

Caley checks off practically every box. He has a diverse background, having even worked as a defensive assistant in college. He's spent time with two vastly different organizations and has the ability to blend an old-school philosophy with a new-school analytical philosophy.

The McVay comparisons may be a bit premature, but there's a reason Caley is in high demand around the NFL. This would be a home-run hire for Glenn's staff at the most important assistant position.

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