Bill O’Brien is reportedly joining a college powerhouse after leaving the Patriots.
Although there was anticipation that O’Brien would follow Bill Belichick toward his imminent destination—the Atlanta Falcons, among others—he has decided to return to the collegiate ranks.
Pete Thamel of ESPN reported on Thursday night that Ohio State has hired O’Brien to serve as the Buckeyes’ offensive coordinator.
O’Brien has experience in the Big 10, having served as the head coach of Penn State for two seasons between 2012 and 2013.
In addition, O’Brien oversaw the offense at Alabama for two seasons before rejoining the Patriots. With 13.9 points per game, the Patriots finished the season tied for last in the league behind the Carolina Panthers in scoring.
Albert Breer of Sports Illustrated remarked that the move was “considerable deliberation between Ryan Day and O’Brien” in the wake of O’Brien’s unsuccessful season with the Patriots.
O’Brien was assigned the responsibility of revitalizing the Patriots’ offense after its abject failure during the 2022 season under the leadership of Matt Patricia or Joe Judge.
However, despite O’Brien’s improved circumstances, New England’s offense declined to the point where third-year QB Mac Jones became unplayable in the latter half of the season.
O’Brien may currently consider the collegiate environment to be a more suitable trajectory for his coaching profession.
Day will be under intense pressure heading into the 2024 season, as well as should Day continue to perform poorly, O’Brien may position himself to succeed Day as the Buckeyes’ head coach.
Regarding the Patriots, Mayo is entrusted with the critical responsibility of selecting the fourth offensive coordinator in as many seasons for New England.
ESPN announced late Thursday night that Bill O’Brien will depart New England and begin his new position as offensive coordinator at Ohio State. The Patriots averaged 13.9 points per game under O’Brien last season, which was the second-worst in the league.
In addition to coaching the quarterbacks, O’Brien oversaw the decline of Mac Jones from third-year starter quarterback to final-six game benches.
O’Brien was hired in January to revive an offense that had deteriorated under the direction of former head offensive coaches Matt Patricia as well as Joe Judge in 2022. However, the offense continued to deteriorate under his direction.
O’Brien’s offensive staff also struggled with significant dysfunction; one assistant midseason transferred to Syracuse, and first-grade offensive line coach Adrian Klemm missed the majority of the year due to a medical issue.
As new coach Jerod Mayo endeavors to reassemble the Patriots’ coaching staff in his first season, O’Brien departs. Mayo also evaded a question regarding his future offensive vision for the Patriots.
Mayo declined to comment at his introductory press conference on whether he would initiate a search for an offensive coordinator, following reports that he had already begun the process of recruiting a defensive coordinator as well as special teams coordinator. No apparent internal candidates exist to succeed O’Brien.
Mayo stated, “Everything is still under consideration.” “It is glaringly not the staff with whom I have been collaborating is the team that I have selected.” Every aspect is undergoing assessment. “I would say that developing people is the number one priority for all of my coaches.”
Several key players are expected to hit free agency this offseason, including offensive tackle Trent Brown as well as Mike Onwneu, wide receiver Kendrick Bourne, and tight end Hunter Henry. The team is anticipated to add a new quarterback.