Getty Images

The Patriots have already lost an offensive coordinator this offseason and brought an old one back into the mix.

ESPN’s Adam Schefter revealed Sunday morning that New England had to work to avoid losing their top personnel man to their biggest rival over the last decade.

Colts owner Jim Irsay reportedly tried to hire Patriots director of player personnel Nick Caserio. The Patriots quickly responded, with the Krafts convincing Caserio not to leave.

New England’s personnel department has experienced a talent drain over the last few years, with Scott Pioli and Thomas Dimitroff both taking over other teams.

It would have been strange to see “The Patriot Way” in Indianapolis. Instead, Irsay is choosing among a wide assortment of G.M. candidates he’s brought in for interviews over the last week.