New England Patriots Officially Interview Bill O’Brien
The Alabama Crimson Tide fan base got news that had been coming for a long time on Thursday. Current Crimson Tide offensive coordinator spent time with the New England Patriots and interviewed for the organization's vacant offensive coordinator position.
O'Brien has been the offensive coordinator in Tuscaloosa for the past two seasons and has led the Tide to averaging 40 points per game.
Alabama was 24-2 in the two seasons that O'Brien called the plays and won an SEC championship and made a national championship game appearance. Under O'Brien's tutelage the Tide saw its first quarterback to win the Heisman Trophy with Bryce Young.
The Massachusetts is already very familiar with the New England Patriots as he spent five seasons with the organization from 2007-11. He worked as an offensive assistant, wide receivers coach, quarterbacks coach and then offensive coordinator under Bill Belichick.
O'Brien's contract with the Crimson Tide expires in February and there has been no mention of an extension on the horizon. However, it is notable that O'Brien had been recently seen still recruiting for Alabama, leading many to wonder if the right job doesn't come along for him if he will return to the Capstone for a third season.
The Patriots offense finished 26th in the league in yards per game and 17th in points per game with co-offensive coordinators Matt Patricia and Joe Judge. Hiring O'Brien to fix the offense gives Belichick a trusted mind that can get the most out of third-year quarterback Mac Jones.