NY Jets' preferred OC candidate had absolutely no interest in the job

This offseason has featured a lot of the NY Jets getting their way. Aaron Glenn was the apple of their eye, and it turns out the feeling was completely reciprocated.

They also landed a universally respected young general manager in Darren Mougey, someone who came with a Sean Payton and George Paton stamp of approval.

All of this has pointed to the potential beginnings of a culture shift in Florham Park. Last season felt like a never-ending string of misfortunes, but the offseason has taken a different tone. For reasons that aren’t entirely clear, the Jets have become a destination — people want to work for them.

However, it seems the Jets did miss out on at least one of their targets in recent weeks. While it’s surprising given their recent success, it’s likely more a matter of circumstance than luck running out.

Nick Caley never had any interest in joining the NY Jets

The Jets recently hired former Lions passing game coordinator Tanner Engstrand as their new OC. He will architect the offense for Aaron Glenn, and he again comes with positive reviews.

That said, Engstrand was not their first target. According to reports from SNY's Connor Hughes, their first target spurned them before they even had a chance.

Nick Caley is another in a long line of Sean McVay disciples whose careers received a boost from his tutelage. After 10 years in college football, Caley spent seven years with the New England Patriots, coaching various offensive positions. This offseason, the Jets wanted him to take over their offense.

Unfortunately, Caley evidently never even really considered the Jets as an option. Per Hughes, Caley "let it be known" to the Jets that he was just not interested. He instead opted to sign with Houston, in an attempt to rejuvenate C.J. Stroud after a disappointing 2024.

Caley made the decision to join the Texans and get the opportunity to work with a possible generational talent at quarterback, as opposed to pursuing a role with the Jets with no certainty in terms of who the QB will be.

It was likely an easy decision for him, but given the Jets' recent run of good fortune, it stood out as an anomaly. Jets fans can only hope these remain few and far between and that Engstrand makes the team forget all about Caley.

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