Is Bill O'Brien coming back to New England?

Alabama Crimson Tide offensive coordinator Bill O'Brien speaks during the Mater Dei High Heisman Homecoming ceremony at the Meruelo Athletic Center. Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports

Bill Belichick is thinking about bringing Bill O'Brien back to New England

By Andrew Kulha | Last updated 1/19/23

The Joe Judge and Matt Patricia co-offensive coordinator experiment was a disaster for Bill Belichick and the New England Patriots. Belichick is known for making tough decisions and adjusting quickly when something isn't working, so it's not all that surprising to hear that in the wake of that disaster, "the hoodie" is thinking about going in a more proven direction as offensive coordinator.

Bill O'Brien is certainly proven. Not only has he been a semi-successful college and NFL head coach, but he's spent the past few seasons running the offense down in Alabama with Nick Saban and the Crimson Tide.

He may never have been an elite head coach, but as far as coordinators go, few could be better. Throw in the fact that he coached in New England from 2007-2011 and last held the title as Belichick's offensive coordinator in New England, and it makes sense that the two parties got together for an interview today, per Ian Rapoport.

The #Patriots have interviewed #Bama OC Bill O'Brien today for their vacant OC job, sources say. He's considered a top candidate.
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) January 19, 2023

It also makes sense to hear that O'Brien is considered the favorite to land the job if he wants it.

Notably, O'Brien has experience coaching Mac Jones, who was the quarterback at Alabama when the two helped the Crimson Tide win a national championship. Jones completed 311 of 402 passes for 4,500 yards and 41 touchdowns that season in O'Brien's offense. He was also a Heisman Trophy finalist.

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