Patriots request to speak with Keenan McCardell, set to interview Nick Caley for offensive coordinator position
FOXBORO -- New England's search for an offensive coordinator is underway. While Bill O'Brien's name has been mentioned a few million times regarding the gig, some other candidates are beginning to emerge.
The Patriots reportedly requested permission to chat with Vikings wide receiver coach Keenan McCardell for their offensive coordinator position, according to NFL Network's Ian Rapoport. That permission was granted, as McCardell will interview with New England on Thursday, according to Josina Anderson.
McCardell, a two-time Pro Bowl receiver during his playing days, got into coaching in 2010 as wide receivers coach for the Washington Redskins (2010-11). He held the same position at Maryland University (2014-15), the Jacksonville Jaguars (2017-20), and in Minnesota (2021-present).
The Vikings had an explosive passing offense in 2022, averaging 263.8 yards per game -- good for the sixth-most in the NFL. Third-year receiver Justin Jefferson was the best receiver in the game, leading the league with 128 receptions and 1,809 receiving yards to go with eight touchdowns.
McCardell, 53, had a 17-year playing career as a pass-catcher in the NFL. He was a 12th-round pick by Washington in 1991, though he never played a game for the Redskins. He played for the Cleveland Browns -- and head coach Bill Belichick -- in 1992 and 1993 before enjoying a solid six-year run with the Jaguars. McCardell won a Super Bowl ring with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in 2002, and retired after the 2007 season with 883 receptions and 63 touchdowns over 209 career games.
McCardell is a well-respected coach around the league, and was retained in Minnesota for last season despite Kevin O'Connell taking over for Mike Zimmer.
The Patriots will also be talking with their tight ends coach Nick Caley about their OC job on Wednesday, according to NFL Network's Tom Pelissero. Caley interviewed for the New York Jets' opening at offensive coordinator on Tuesday.
ESPN Boston's Mike Reiss also reported late Wednesday that New England will interview former Patriot Adrian Klemm for its offensive coordinator opening. Klemm was the first player drafted by Belichick in New England, and currently holds a slew of positions at Oregon, serving as the Ducks' associate head coach, run-game coordinator, and offensive line coach.
