The New England Patriots are apparently hoping to reunite with an old friend in 2023. According to NFL Network's Ian Rapoport, the team is targeting current Alabama offensive coordinator Bill O'Brien as a potential candidate for their own OC position next year.
Could an old friend be the answer for the #Patriots in 2023? #Bama OC Bill O'Brien is emerging as a potential candidate to return to New England next season.
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) December 24, 2022
My story: https://t.co/ToQmaxfJ0j
O'Brien officially served as the Patriots offensive coordinator for one season in 2011, but the team is notoriously finicky about titles. O'Brien also called plays for the Patriots in 2009 and 2010 as quarterbacks coach. The Patriots scored a staggering 30.4 points per game under his tenure, but quarterback Tom Brady may have had something to do with that.
O'Brien had modest success in the pros after leaving the Patriots. As head coach of the Houston Texans, he won 52 of his 100 games, but his offenses ranked an average of 17th in the league in points scored. He joined up with fellow Bill Belichick disciple Nick Saban at Alabama after being fired in 2020.
O'Brien would be a logical addition to a Patriots team that experimented (unsuccessfully) with defensive coach Matt Patricia calling the offensive plays this season. The Patriots yet again declined to have any coach officially serve as offensive coordinator this year, and they've ranked 25th in yards gained and 23rd in giveaways as a result. O'Brien could provide some much-needed direction and stability for the Patriots and their young quarterback Mac Jones, who briefly crossed paths with O'Brien at Alabama.
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