Did Bill O’Brien Have Option to Remain Patriots Coach?

Former New England Patriots offensive coordinator Bill O’Brien has been formally introduced as the head coach of the Boston College Eagles. But, how close did he come to remaining with the Pats?

As former New England Patriots offensive coordinator Bill O’Brien was being formally introduced as the 41st head coach of the Boston College Eagles, he dropped a somewhat surprising detail regarding the end of his tenure with the organization. 

While many believed that the Pats’ decision to “mutually and amicably” part ways with legendary coach Bill Belichick would result in a similar fate for the 53-year-old assistant, O’Brien revealed on Thursday that he was given the option to remain with the team on new coach Jerod Mayo’s staff. 

“I definitely had an opportunity to stay [with the Patriots],” O’Brien told WEEI.com. “I thought it was really important for Coach Mayo to hire his own staff. I came and worked for Bill Belichick, and I think it’s really important for Jerod to be able to hire his own staff.”

Photo by Chris Unger

Prior to accepting his current position in Chestnut Hill, O’Brien briefly joined Ohio State as their offensive coordinator last month. However, in the aftermath of former BC head coach Jeff Hafley leaving to become defensive coordinator for the Green Bay Packers, the veteran coach returned to New England for what he described as his “dream job.” Accordingly, O’Brien expressed his gratitude to both the Kraft Family and Ohio State head coach Ryan Day for helping to pave the proverbial road back home. 

“The Kraft’s were great about that, and I really appreciate Robert and Jonathan Kraft for all of their support over the years. That’s meant a lot to me,” O’Brien added. “And, Ryan [Day] was awesome about offering me a job, so that’s why I made that decision.”

Though he may be remembered for his struggles as both head coach and general manager of the Houston Texans, O’Brien is a quite an accomplished collegiate coach. In addition to his time with the Patriots and Texans, he spent two successful seasons at the helm of the Penn State Nittany Lions — leading the program to a 15-9 overall record, while finishing 10-6 in the Big Ten. Prior to his return to New England in 2023, O’Brien served under coach Nick Saban, as offensive coordinator for the Alabama Crimson Tide. 

Having served under Bill Belichick from 2007-11, and again in 2023, O’Brien ultimately spoke of his former supervisor with reverence. During his first tour of duty in New England, O’Brien helped navigate a Patriots offense, which featured ball protection, efficient running and spreading the ball to multiple pass catchers. Unfortunately, neither he nor Belichick were able to able to re-capture their previous success last season. The Pats finished the campaign ranked No. 32 in scoring offense, averaging 13.9 points per game, while managing only 27 touchdowns.

Still, O’Brien was complimentary of his experiences while working with the legendary coach during his time in New England. 

“I want to thank Bill Belichick for all that he has done for my career,” the 53-year-old explained. “I’ll never be able to repay Bill for what he’s done for my career and I appreciate what he said about this opportunity for me yesterday. I really thank Bill for that.”

Just one day earlier, Belichick proved O’Brien’s feelings to be mutual by praising his former protege in a message to the Boston College faithful. 

“My relationship with Bill spans nearly three decades,” Belichick said in a statement posted by Boston College. “Of all the coaches I have worked with, few possess Bill’s experience and success at both the college and NFL levels. As he has proven each step of his career, Bill is a leader of young men and an outstanding communicator.

“He is tough, smart, passionate, and a great choice to lead the Boston College football program while also serving as an outstanding representative of the entire BC community.”

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O’Brien will have little time to rest on his laurels. The Eagles will be back to work on the gridiron in short order, with spring practices set to begin in less than one month. 

For the Patriots, they will forge ahead with several new faces on Mayo’s offensive coaching staff. Since officially taking the helm of the Patriots on Jan 17, the Pats have hired offensive coordinator Alex Van Pelt, quarterback coach T.C. McCartney, offensive line coach Scott Peters, assistant offensive line coach Robert Kugler, assistant receivers coach Tiquan Underwood, running backs coach Taylor Embree and offensive assistant Mike McCarthy.