Alabama could soon be looking for a new offensive coordinator. Bill O’Brien is currently in conversations with the New England Patriots to become their next offensive coordinator, a source told TideIllustrated. O’Brien has been looking to return to the NFL, and with Bryce Young projected to be a top-five pick, a move is likely this offseason.
O'Brien is expected to remain with No. 5 Alabama for its Sugar Bowl matchup against No. 9 Kansas State on Dec. 31 regardless of how discussions progress with the Patriots.
News of the conversations comes after NFL Network reported that O’Brien is a “strong option” to return to New England earlier Saturday. O’Brien signed a two-year contract at Alabama in 2021 that has yet to be extended.
O’Brien has produced a top-10 scoring offense in each of his two seasons at Alabama. This year, the Crimson Tide is tied for fourth nationally averaging 40.8 points and is tied for 12th averaging 475.7 total yards.
Last season, O’Brien helped Young become the first quarterback in school history to win the Heisman Trophy. Young passed for a school-record 4,872 yards and 47 touchdowns through 15 games last season. He has thrown for 3,007 yards and 27 touchdowns through 11 games this year.
O’Brien served as the Patriots' offensive play-caller from 2009-11. Before that, he spent two previous years in New England, serving as an offensive assistant in 2007 before coaching receivers in 2008.
O’Brien has been linked with a return to the Patriots since longtime offensive coordinator Josh McDaniels left to become the head coach of the Las Vegas Raiders last offseaosn. However, New England head coach Bill Belichick elected to hand offensive play-calling duties to former Patriots defensive coordinator and former Detroit Lions head coach Matt Patricia.