Could a familiar face return to New England in 2023 to steer the offense in the right direction?
Sources say Alabama offensive coordinator Bill O’Brien is a good option to return to his former home and resume his old role as OC under Bill Belichick for next season. This would be one possible answer to an important question about the future of the Patriots.
O’Brien was the OC of the Crimson Tide for two seasons under Alabama head coach Nick Saban and will face 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 voicing his despair on the field in high-profile moments and Belichick constantly faced questions about the Patriots’ struggling offense. In an interview with WEEI on December 5, Belichick said, “I think we need to do better at what we do. I don’t think we’re going to make a lot of dramatic changes at this point… it’s too difficult to do that.”
That shifts focus to a likely change this offseason to expand and enhance this season’s coaching from current play-caller Matt Patricia, quarterbacks coach Joe Judge and others. O’Brien’s skill and experience would no doubt help.
When O’Brien joined Saban’s staff in Alabama in 2021, he made a commitment to Saban to end his two-year contract. That time is upon us and sources say there has been no renewal and a return to the NFL is a real thought for O’Brien.
O’Brien’s true influence is difficult to measure given that Tom Brady was in his prime for most of O’Brien’s tenure and is evidently no longer in New England. Regardless, the success they’ve had together has been remarkable.
With O’Brien from 2007 to 2011, the Patriots led the league with 30.7 points per game and finished second with 393.1 yards per game. Since leaving in 2011, the club has lost three points per game on average.
New England also led the league with 30+ points in 46 games from 2007-11 (57.5%) and has done so in just 70 games since 2012 (40%).
The difference is significant based on the numbers alone.
The Patriots aren’t eliminated from the playoff race, and there’s a chance of a postseason spot if they can string together some wins.
Jones was asked this week if staying optimistic was difficult.
“I think it comes down to just trusting the process of everything and doing whatever it takes to become a great football player,” Jones said. “At some point that will show up in the film. So a lot of things as offense, it’s 11 guys and you have to try and get everyone as a quarterback to do the right thing and make sure we’re all on the same page. We used to do that sometimes. But just to get that consistency. Obviously with myself too.”