Alabama’s Offensive Coordinator Officially Returns to NFL
The writing was on the wall for a long time, and now the news is official. The New England Patriots are bringing Bill O'Brien back to the NFL, he is returning to work with Belichick as the new offensive coordinator according to ESPN's Adam Schefter and Chis Low.
O'Brien interviewed with New England on Thursday of last week and it appears the meeting went well as Belichick is bringing him back to work with quarterback Mac Jones and revamp the offense. The pair didn't work with one another in Tuscaloosa while Jones was in school, but the 2020 national championship winner was instrumental in helping O'Brien learn the Alabama terminology.
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. New England missed the playoffs and finished with an 8-9 record, causing many to call for offensive staff changes.
O'Brien has extensive experience working with Belichick as the pair worked together from 2007-11. He's worked with receivers and quarterbacks in the pros and spent time as offensive coordinator under Belichick, while together the pair won four division championships and two AFC Championships.
The Alabama Crimson Tide now must replace both the offensive and defensive coordinators as both Bill O'Brien and Pete Golding have left for other opportunities.