One of the Tennessee Vols' main rivals could be looking for a new offensive coordinator soon
One of the Tennessee Vols' main rivals might be looking for a new offensive coordinator soon. The NFL Network's Ian Rapoport reported on Saturday morning that Alabama offensive coordinator Bill O'Brien could be returning to the New England Patriots this offseason. From NFL Network: Sources say Alabama offensive coordinator Bill O'Brien is a strong option […]
One of the Tennessee Vols' main rivals might be looking for a new offensive coordinator soon.
The NFL Network's Ian Rapoport reported on Saturday morning that Alabama offensive coordinator Bill O'Brien could be returning to the New England Patriots this offseason.
Sources say Alabama offensive coordinator Bill O'Brien is a strong option to return to his former home and assume his old role as OC under Bill Belichick for next season. This would be a potential answer to an important question facing the Patriots in the future.
O'Brien has been the Crimson Tide's OC for two seasons under Alabama head coach Nick Saban and will call plays against Kansas State in the Sugar Bowl on New Year's Eve.
The Patriots offense has been a source of frustration all season, with quarterback Mac Jones expressing exasperation on the field in high-profile moments and Belichick facing constant questions about the Patriots' struggling offense. In one interview with WEEI on Dec. 5, Belichick said, "I think we need to do what we're doing better. I don't think at this point making a lot of dramatic changes … it's too hard to do that."
![New offensive coordinator Bill O'Brien watches quarterback Bryce Young throw during practice. The Alabama Crimson Tide opened practice for the 2021 season as they prepare to defend the 2020 National Championship Friday, Aug. 6, 2021. [Staff Photo/Gary Cosby Jr.] Alabama First Practice](http://atozsports.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/2936-syndication-tuscaloosa-news.jpg)
This doesn't come as a big surprise. It's always been known that O'Brien either wanted to quickly get another head coaching job (preferably in the NFL, but he's been in the mix for some college jobs as well) or get back to the NFL as an assistant.
Going back to New England with Bill Belichick appears to be O'Brien's best option at this point as interest in the former Houston Texans head coach hasn't been high.
As far as how it impacts Alabama, it's certainly something to watch. Anytime Nick Saban is looking for a new offensive coordinator, it's a big deal. Saban has been successful at Alabama for 15 years because of his willingness to adapt. It'll be interesting to see if he goes with more of a spread/up-tempo approach with his next offensive coordinator. If he doesn't, then I wouldn't be surprised if he makes a run at Oklahoma offensive coordinator Jeff Lebby.
This will be something to keep an eye on over the next few weeks as it will have a major impact on how the SEC West plays out next season.
Featured image via Randy Sartin-USA TODAY Sports
