Report: Nick Caserio turns down 49ers GM job

Caserio (left) and Belichick will continue to oversee the Patriots roster construction

According to multiple reports, Patriots director of player personnel Nick Caserio recently turned down an interview opportunity for the 49ers vacant GM job. With the 49ers currently the only open GM job on the market, this almost ensures Caserio will return for his 17th season with the Patriots.

This likely ends the theory that Patriots offensive coordinator Josh McDaniels could bring Caserio with him as a package deal if he takes one of the head coaching jobs available. McDaniels interviewed with the Jaguars, Rams and 49ers yesterday, with the Niners reportedly his top choice if he does choose to leave his cushy job as Belichick and Brady's sidekick in New England. Instead of Caserio, reports indicate that McDaniels hopes to bring current ESPN analyst Louis Riddick along with him as GM if he decides to take a head coaching job.

Caserio has been an unsung hero of the Belichick era, rising through the ranks of the organization to his current role, which he has held since taking over for Scott Pioli back in 2008. Caserio technically doesn't hold a GM title due to the presence of Belichick, but he's been instrumental in the building and maintaining of one of the league's deepest and best rosters. With San Francisco eliminated from consideration, it's increasingly likely that their collaborative success will continue into the 2017 season.