Nick Caserio Comments on Decision to Decline Colts Interview

by Greg Knopping on Jan 9, 2012 5:30 PM EST in New England Patriots News

Yesterday, ESPN's Adam Schefter reported that the Indianapolis Colts asked the Patriots permission to interview Director of Player Personnel Nick Caserio, and that he was their #1 candidate contacted for the team's vacant General Manager position. Caserio then, rejected the Colts' offer to interview:

As soon as the Colts made their move, the Patriots made theirs, meeting with Caserio and convincing him New England was a better place to be than Indianapolis.

After some prodding from the Kraft family, Caserio agreed. He rejected the Colts' overtures and opted to stay with the Patriots.

While this was initially seen as excellent news for the Patriots, many were left wondering what was behind Caserio's decision to stick with the team. Today, when meeting with reporters, Caserio offered a little (albeit tight-lipped) explanation:

Yeah, I would just say that I've got a great job here in New England, I work with a great staff - I'm privileged to work for the head coach [Bill Belichick] that I do. Today is no different than it was any other day and I enjoy being here and right now the focus is on getting ready for the Denver Broncos and that's where we're at.

Asked how "flattering" the interest was, Caserio responded:

I don't really have anything else to add other than what I just mentioned. I love New England, I enjoy being here, I enjoy the work that I do, the people that I work with and that's not going to change.

Okay, so those weren't exactly the most detailed responses. Hopefully, however, Caserio's decision to not even interview with the Colts is an indication that he would like to remain in New England for the long haul. Although the Colts are a rival team, the opportunity presented to Caserio was certainly an excellent one. Perhaps Caserio believes that if he hangs around New England for a few more years, he could be the eventual successor to Bill Belichick. Or perhaps Caserio simply didn't want to depart the Patriots for one of their biggest rivals. Or, as Mike Reiss suggested, maybe Caserio could receive a promotion of some sorts, or a new title (GM?).

What do you think went into Caserio's decision to stay put in New England? Do you view him as a potential successor to Bill Belichick?

Poll

Do you view Nick Caserio as a potential successor as GM to Patriots head coach / de facto GM Bill Belichick?

Yes

304 votes

No

113 votes

IDK OMG Bill will never retire

300 votes

717 votes | Poll has closed

Tweet Comment 25 comments | 0 recs |

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Comments

caserio may be promoted to the job or at least the duties of GM before BB retires

that moment’s not too far away if you ask me

Tedy Bruschi- "How do we feel about a victory?"
Team- "Aww Yeah!!!"

by freeland1787 on Jan 9, 2012 5:37 PM EST reply actions

I voted “Belichick will never retire”.

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by Chemmy on Jan 9, 2012 6:01 PM EST up reply actions 1 recs

im ok with either scenario

Tedy Bruschi- "How do we feel about a victory?"
Team- "Aww Yeah!!!"

by freeland1787 on Jan 10, 2012 12:18 AM EST up reply actions

BB is in his 50s

don’t you think he has a good 10-20 more years?

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by New Century Silver on Jan 10, 2012 1:41 AM EST up reply actions

I wouldn't be surprised to see a combination of McD and Caserio being in charge...

…if/when Belichick calls it a career.

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by Richard Hill on Jan 9, 2012 5:46 PM EST reply actions

That’s terrifying.

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by Chemmy on Jan 9, 2012 6:01 PM EST up reply actions

Why?

Caserio can make personnel decisions, which seems to be what hes been doing anyways. JMD, who sucks at personnel decisions, will stick to game-planning and improving the players we already have. Not as good as BB, but probably better then alot of teams have it now.

Oh my god a floor zombie! Oh wait, thats you
- Toby Turner

by New Century Silver on Jan 10, 2012 1:42 AM EST up reply actions

And McD's personnel decisions...

…haven’t turned out so poorly apparently.

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by Richard Hill on Jan 10, 2012 2:10 AM EST up reply actions

It really wouldn't surprise me if BB called it a day when Brady is done.

It wouldn’t shock me if he kept coaching until he was 90 either.

He might be laying the groundwork for more division of authority, though. IMO, that would be a good thing.

If he can keep McD (the heir apparent HC), and Caserio (the future GM) in the fold for awhile, he might be able to lay the groundwork for long term success.

The more you know, the more you know that you don't know.
Some people can learn from the mistakes of others, while some people need to pee on the electric fence themselves.
Belichick is looking for a new name for his boat: VI Rings sounds pretty good.

by SlotMachinePlayer on Jan 9, 2012 6:05 PM EST up reply actions

Is it out of the realm of possibility that BB would be the next GM of the pats though?

And he’ll promote Nick to coach or someone else? McD?

I’ll take 11 players with heart on the field over 11 guys with just talent. Talent is fleeting, it goes away over time. Heart is what drives you to be better. To push yourself beyond what you think your capabilities are. To show us that when you strive, all things are possible.- SMP

by Jack'sAxe on Jan 9, 2012 6:10 PM EST up reply actions

that would be awesome

"Thirty-seven points on the best defense in the league, suck my d–k" - Bill Belichick

The Ryan Brothers: Two brother's who never played a down as an NFL player, Yet feel the need to trash talk like they are in the Hall Of Fame

by BostonBeasts on Jan 9, 2012 6:17 PM EST up reply actions

Interesting thought

I just see BB as being too much of a hands-on kind of guy to want to do the behind-the-scenes stuff, purely. He’s excellent when it comes to dealing with players and their multitude of personalities and I think that’s one of the most overlooked parts of his coaching legacy.

It would be interesting, though. I kinda see him retiring as a HC.

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by Adam Fox on Jan 9, 2012 6:28 PM EST up reply actions