The Patriots have hired Bill O’Brien as offensive coordinator, per ESPN’s Adam Schefter, a move sure to rejuvenate a lackluster offense and bring smiles to New England fans everywhere.
O’Brien served as OC at Alabama under Nick Saban for two years. In the 2021 season, the Crimson Tide played in the national title game, losing to Georgia and finishing 13-2 This season, Alabama finished 11-2 and crushed Kansas State in the Sugar Bowl.
Alabama reportedly had no talks about extending O’Brien’s contract that ended at the end of the 2022 season, opening the door for NFL teams to pursue the veteran coach. Spoiled Crimson Tide fans made O’Brien the target of their ire for what they viewed as a regression of the offense (h/t:Al.com).
For the Patriots, 2022 offensive playcaller Matt Patricia will have another role — hopefully one far away from the offense.
As playcaller, Patricia’s offense ranked 17th in points (21.4) and 26th in yards (314.6) per game. Patricia’s incompetence led to a severe regression in the play of second-year QB Mac Jones, who threw for only 14 touchdowns and 11 interceptions in 2022.
Hiring O’Brien is one of the best moves the Patriots have made in the past few seasons. Belichick sometimes is irrationally unconventional, and the O’Brien hire tells New England fans that he still can make sane moves.
O’Brien was likely hired due to his experience with Belichick and the Patriots system.
From 2007-2011, O’Brien served as the offensive assistant (2007), wide receivers coach (2008), quarterbacks coach (2009-2010) and offensive coordinator (2010).
As offensive coordinator, O’Brien oversaw an offense that helped propel the Patriots to a 14-2 record in the regular season. In the playoffs, New England lost to the Jets in the divisional round.
From 2014-20, O’Brien served as Houston Texans coach. That experience could aid the Patriots in pursuit of wideout DeAndre Hopkins, whom the Cardinals reportedly may trade. O’Brien coached the three-time All-Pro in Houston.
The Patriots have lacked at true WR1 for the past three seasons. Some would say they lacked an offensive coordinator/offensive playcaller last season. This move ends the Patricia error… ah … era.
