Bill O'Brien Already Lands Another New College Coaching Job
This has been a major offseason of coaching change in New England. With Bill Belichick and the team parting ways, it was clear that the whole staff was going to see a shakeup
That included the departure of former offensive coordinator Bill O'Brien, who failed to salvage anything out of Mac Jones and company in 2023.
O'Brien was set to take over the same role at Ohio State but things took a turn. According to ESPN's Pete Thamel, O'Brien and Boston College are working towards a deal to make him the next head coach.
Sources: Boston College is working toward a deal to hire Bill O’Brien as the school’s next head coach. A deal is expected soon, giving BC a well-regarded coach with extensive NFL experience and strong local ties. pic.twitter.com/WBh50h0GoP
— Pete Thamel (@PeteThamel) February 9, 2024
O'Brien is set to replace Jeff Hafley who left the school to become the Green Bay Packers defensive coordinator. The 54-year-old has experience in both college and professional football. He is the former head coach of the Penn State Nittany Lions and the Houston Texans.
The Massachusetts native is known in the Boston area for his two stints with the Patriots. He coached in New England from 2007-2013 and again in 2023 as the quarterbacks coach and offensive coordinator.
Throughout his career, O'Brien has built a reputation as a good quarterback teacher. He worked with Tom Brady, Bryce Young (Alabama's offensive coordinator), and Deshaun Watson during some of their best seasons.
From 2021-2022, Alabama averaged 39.9 points and 41.1 points per game. During his tenure at Penn State, he went 15-9, winning Big Ten Coach of the Year in 2012.
He had some success at the NFL level as well. O'Brien went 52-48 across six seasons as the lead man for the Houston Texans, where he guided them to four postseason appearances.
The unexpected opening of the Boston College job created an opportunity for O'Brien to stay in his home state of Massachusetts and have his imprint on the Eagles program. Ohio State will now need to pivot and find a new offensive coordinator.
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