Boston College Set to Hire Bill O’Brien as Head Coach
In an exciting turn of events, Boston College is on the verge of finalizing a deal to hire Bill O’Brien as their next head coach, according to sources. This move not only brings O’Brien back to his Massachusetts roots but also provides the Eagles with a coach who boasts extensive NFL experience and strong local ties.
O’Brien, who recently took on the role of offensive coordinator at Ohio State, underwent an in-person interview on Thursday, marking the final step in Boston College’s rigorous selection process. Alongside two other candidates, he traveled to Massachusetts for the interviews, and it is expected that a deal will be reached and formally announced in the near future.
At 54 years old, O’Brien has an impressive coaching resume. He previously served as the head coach for both Penn State and the Houston Texans, and his time with the New England Patriots is particularly well-known in the Boston area. O’Brien worked as their offensive coordinator and quarterbacks coach from 2007 to 2011 and again in 2023.
What makes this appointment even more special is O’Brien’s deep ties to the area. Growing up in Andover, he has always had a strong connection to Massachusetts. His son, Michael, currently plays college baseball at nearby Tufts University, and the family had intended to stay in the greater Boston area while O’Brien worked in Columbus. This opportunity allows him to be closer to his loved ones.
Furthermore, O’Brien’s wife, Colleen, is an alumna of Boston College, further solidifying his connection to the school and the surrounding community. He also has personal ties to the area, having graduated from St. John’s Prep in Danvers and played football at nearby Brown University. In fact, O’Brien’s coaching journey began at Brown, where he started his career.
O’Brien steps into the role previously held by Jeff Hafley, who recently departed to become the defensive coordinator for the Green Bay Packers. Boston College had a decent season in 2023, finishing with a 7-6 record and a notable victory over No. 24 SMU in the Fenway Bowl. However, the team has struggled to make a national impact in recent years, with their last eight-win season dating back to 2009 and only one appearance in the national rankings since 2008.
With O’Brien’s reputation as a skilled quarterback tutor, having worked with the likes of Bryce Young, Tom Brady, and Deshaun Watson during their most successful seasons, Boston College becomes an attractive destination for potential transfers. His extensive NFL experience and deep knowledge of the position will undoubtedly elevate the team’s quarterback development and overall offensive performance.
O’Brien’s coaching journey has been eventful and successful. After leaving New England for the head-coaching job at Penn State in 2012, he navigated the challenging aftermath of the Jerry Sandusky sexual assault case, bringing both on-field success and off-field unity to the program. In his first year, he won both Big Ten Coach of the Year and the Bear Bryant National Coach of the Year awards. Over two seasons, he achieved a commendable 15-9 record at Penn State.
Following his tenure at Penn State, O’Brien spent six full seasons and part of a seventh as the head coach of the Houston Texans. Under his leadership, the team made four playoff appearances, and O’Brien accumulated a respectable 52-48 record.
Before joining Ohio State, O’Brien had a brief but impactful stint at Alabama as their offensive coordinator and quarterbacks coach during Bryce Young’s Heisman Trophy-winning season. The Crimson Tide’s scoring offense thrived under O’Brien’s guidance, consistently ranking in the top 10 and averaging an impressive 39.9 and 41.1 points per game in his two seasons.
O’Brien’s departure from Ohio State also leaves a void in one of the most coveted offensive coordinator positions in college football. Ohio State head coach Ryan Day recently announced that he would be relinquishing playcalling duties in 2024, making the role all the more enticing for potential candidates.
As Boston College eagerly awaits the official announcement of Bill O’Brien as their new head coach, the anticipation and excitement among fans and players alike continue to grow. With his wealth of experience, local ties, and proven track record, O’Brien has the potential to transform the Eagles’ program and bring them back into the national spotlight.