Nick Caserio wearing a headset during the Houston Texans’ games is the only instance of a current general manager being a part of the game day communication.
However, the second-year general manager told “Payne & Pendergast” on Sports Radio 610 [KILT-AM] Tuesday that the reason he is on headsets is because of his 20 seasons spent with the New England Patriots where he wore them. Caserio also stressed that he intends to wear headsets to be a resource for the Texans’ coach.
“I would say this year it was more just listening, observing,” said Caserio. “If there were things that came up during the game that we needed to talk about situationally, then we would communicate that. So, my philosophy has been just provide information where necessary; be a resource and be as helpful as possible, whatever that constitution is.”
Caserio pointed out that other teams in the NFL, while not having their general manager on the headsets, do have personnel-related individuals or analytics staff on headsets.
Said Caserio: “I would say there’s other people throughout the league. They either have their analytics person or somebody from their personnel department maybe doing some of the same things.”
What highlights the fact Caserio is on headsets is his role as general manager.
“I think what happens is maybe it gets a little bit magnified because of my ‘title’ and my role,” said Caserio. “In my mind, I know what my role and title is, but I don’t look at it that way. I’m a football person. I’m engaged in the game. I was very well trained with a great organization. So, you’re trying to take all of that information and disseminate and use it in a most efficient way possible.
“So, I’m never going to shy away from it. I’m always going to be straight up and tell whoever the coach is, if they have a question, try to get some clarity. That’s my job and responsibility to provide clarity.”
If the Texans hire a coach who worked in New England when Caserio was there from 2001-20, they may have familiarity with Caserio on the headsets. A new coach outside of the Bill Belichick coaching tree may have some discomfort having their boss listening in on their in-game decision-making.