Boston College hires former NFL HC Bill O’Brien as Jeff Hafley’s replacement

Boston College underwent a remarkable turnaround in the 2023 football season. Their motivation came from a desire to forget about a miserable 3-9 record in 2022. The program aimed for a resurgence, and it finished so by going 7-6 and clinching victory in the Fenway Bowl.

This win marked the sole bowl appearance during Coach Jeff Hafley’s four-year tenure. They hoped to sustain the momentum and return to the coveted big title eligibility. Now, Boston College anticipates a new era under the guidance of head coach Bill O’Brien.

Boston hire Bill O’Brien

Boston College revealed on Friday that Bill O’Brien would be taking over the reins as head coach, via CBS Sports. This move marked his return to the college game after a stint as the offensive coordinator for Alabama from 2021 to 2022. This appointment also signifies his second venture into college coaching, following his leadership at Penn State from 2012 to 2013.

The HC’s journey to his new destination saw him briefly hold the position of offensive coordinator at Ohio State. His roots in Boston beckoned him to take on this new challenge, despite being earmarked for Ohio State in mid-January. The decision came after rigorous interviews, with him being one of three candidates who made the trip to Massachusetts for face-to-face discussions.

The new HC’s arrival comes on the heels of Jeff Hafley’s departure to the Green Bay Packers. His recent tenure at Alabama saw him closely collaborate with notable talents like Bryce Young. There’s anticipation that Bill O’Brien’s leadership will inject new life into the Eagles’ offense due to his wealth of experience and hands-on approach. His new team’s O-line languished at 82nd in scoring among FBS teams this season.

Bill O’Brien coached which NFL team?

Bill O’Brien started his NFL coaching tenure as an offensive coordinator for the New England Patriots during the illustrious Tom Brady era. He experienced success within the Patriots’ coaching staff from 2007 to 2011. However, his recent return to the team in January 2023 was met with struggles. The Pats’ offense faltered and endured a disappointing 4-13 regular-season record. The lackluster performance cost him his spot, and even HC Bill Belichick couldn’t save his job as well.

The coach boasts a wealth of experience, including a notable tenure as the head coach of the Houston Texans from 2014 to 2020. He achieved a respectable 52-48 record with the Texans, and led the franchise to four AFC South championships. However, the Texans’ playoff performances under his leadership were limited, as they never advanced beyond the divisional round.

One of Bill O’Brien’s contributions during his time in Houston was the development of quarterback Deshaun Watson, who sustained a season-ending injury months ago. The signal-caller flourished under his leadership, and showcased his talents on the field.

What’s your take on Bill’s new journey?