Bill O’Brien takes a job as offensive coordinator at Ohio State
During Bill Belichick’s last season in New England in 2023, O’Brien served as the offensive coordinator for the Patriots. It was his second time filling the position. Formerly, O’Brien served as Nick Saban’s offensive coordinator at Alabama. He has held the position of head coach of the NFL’s Houston Texans and Penn State, Ohio State’s Big Ten foe.
As a result of the change, O’Brien will take over Ryan Day’s offensive play calling responsibilities for the Buckeyes, which he has held throughout his head coaching career, according to ESPN. Wide receivers coach and co-offensive coordinator will be highly rated assistant coach Brian Hartline, who was elevated to Buckeyes offensive coordinator this summer and is regarded as one of the top recruiters in college football.
In 2021 and 2022, O’Brien managed quarterback Blake Young’s productive offenses at Alabama. Young was the first overall choice in the 2023 NFL Draft and the 2021 Heisman Trophy winner.
On his return to the Patriots, though, that success did not translate to the NFL. With quarterbacks Mac Jones and Bailey Zappe having a terrible season, New England finished 30th in the NFL in terms of total offense. Notwithstanding, O’Brien was considered a possible contender to either rejoin the Patriots under new head coach Jerod Mayo or to go with Belichick in the event that his old employer was hired by another NFL team as head coach.
A very skilled play caller has now joined Ohio State’s roster, which is already full of returning starters save for star wideout Marvin Harrison Jr. Several players from that group, including defensive end J.T. Tuimoloau, wide receiver Emeka Egbuka, and running back TreVeyon Henderson, chose to remain in Columbus rather than enter the NFL Draft. Moreover, Ohio State has acquired key players through the transfer portal, including running back Quinshon Judkins from Ole Miss and quarterback Will Howard from Kansas State.