Nancy Turner
Feb 10, 2024 - 01:15

Former Patriots OC Bill O'Brien Leaves Ohio State for HC Job

"Former Ohio State OC Bill O'Brien replaces Jeff Hafley as Boston College's head coach, bringing extensive NFL and college experience."

Boston College found itself in need of a new head coach for its football team when Jeff Hafley unexpectedly left to join the Green Bay Packers as their defensive coordinator. The college made a high-profile hire in replacing Hafley, bringing in Bill O'Brien, who was previously the offensive coordinator at Ohio State.

O'Brien's time at Ohio State was short-lived, as he was brought in to help revamp the program in Columbus but is now moving on to Boston College. Prior to his time at Ohio State, O'Brien spent a year as the offensive coordinator and quarterbacks coach for the New England Patriots under Bill Belichick. The Buckeyes are reportedly replacing him with another experienced coach, Chip Kelly.

With a wealth of experience, O'Brien brings a strong coaching background to Boston College. He previously served as the head coach for the NFL's Houston Texans, leading the team to four playoff appearances in seven seasons and also serving as the team's general manager for a season. Before his time in the NFL, O'Brien had a successful two-year stint as the head coach of Penn State, where he helped stabilize the program after the Jerry Sandusky sexual abuse scandal.

In addition to his coaching experience, O'Brien has deep ties to the Boston area, having been born in the city and raised in nearby Andover, Massachusetts. He also attended and coached at Brown University in Rhode Island and spent several years on Bill Belichick's Patriots staff.

Outside of the Northeast, O'Brien has worked at various colleges and also served as Alabama's offensive coordinator under Nick Saban. Boston College is hoping that O'Brien's experience and ties to the area will help lead the team to success in the upcoming seasons.

The Eagles are coming off a 7-6 season under Hafley and are looking to build on that success with O'Brien at the helm. With his extensive coaching background and ties to the Boston area, O'Brien is poised to make a significant impact on the Boston College football program.