Alabama offensive coordinator Bill O’Brien has been floated around as a potential candidate for the New England Patriots offensive coordinator position. However, reports indicate O’ Brien may not want to take on the job.
O’Brien has familiarity with New England, having served most recently as the team’s offensive coordinator in 2011. There’s hope he’d be open to returning with the Patriots looking to move on from Matt Patricia as the offensive play-caller.
However, Boston Sports Journal’s Greg Bedard put cold water on those rumors by noting O’Brien may have reservations about returning to New England.
Via NESN’s Dakota Randall, Bedard wrote:
“He checks all the boxes — knows the system, can coach the QB, has a relationship with (Mac) Jones, is not an outsider — and has probably learned a few new-age tricks in the college game. Last I heard, and this can change as quickly as the Patriots’ policy on commenting on contracts, he was not gung-ho about this gig due to the lack in clarity about the setup. If Belichick told O’Brien he had autonomy, including over assistants, that might make it more attractive.”
New England is set to interview assistant coaches this week, as the organization looks outside the box for an offensive coordinator.
O’Brien’s familiarity with Belichick could help the organization. However, it seems as though it may not be a good fit at this time, as New England enters a crucial 2023 season.
