Rumors around the NFL suggest that Alabama offensive coordinator Bill O’Brien is on the shortlist to become the new offensive coordinator for the New England Patriots.
O’Brien had previously worked in the NFL as head coach for the Houston Texans. After the Texans fired O’Brien, Nick Saban hired him and he has served under him since. Under O’Brien, the Tide had one of the top-ranked offenses in the country. Star quarterback Bryce Young won a Heisman Trophy under O’Brien as well.
Yet, despite that, a lot of Alabama fans weren’t pleased with his playcalling ability, especially this past season.
It looks like if Bill Belichick gets his wish, he will be coaching and calling plays for another former Alabama quarterback, Mac Jones.
Jones and the Patriots’ offense struggled all season long with Matt Patricia. Patricia, who is known more as a defensive guru than an offensive guru, called the plays.
NBC Sports reporter Tom Curran said this about the O’Brien to New England situation:
“The primary target is former Patriots OC, former Penn State and Texans head coach, former Alabama OC Bill O’Brien. There is unanimity on all sides that O’Brien’s the best person for the job and — while there are other candidates with merit — the familiarity ownership and Mac Jones have with O’Brien and O’Brien’s willingness to return mean it would be an upset if he doesn’t get the job.”
It sounds like O’Brien has the job if he wants it, the only question is does he want it?
About Stacey Mickles
Stacey is a 1995 graduate of the University of Alabama who has previously worked for other publications such as Sportskeeda and Saturday Down South.