Former Alabama OC Bill O'Brien Told Jalen Milroe to Change Positions
LOS ANGELES — Adversity is something that Alabama quarterback Jalen Milroe has become accustomed to.
From being benched in Week 3 against South Florida, to winning back the starting quarterback job and leading Alabama to the College Football Playoff and finishing top-10 in Heisman Trophy voting, Milroe has proved doubters wrong time and time again throughout this season.
But while reflecting on the doubters of his past during a media availability at the Rose Bowl, Milroe mentioned a former coach who didn't believe in his ability to play the quarterback position.
"[People told me to play a different position] all my life, even when I was in college," Milroe said. "Even my own offensive coordinator, Bill O'Brien, told me I shouldn't play quarterback. [...] That's something I have motivation from."
O'Brien was the offensive coordinator for Milroe's first two seasons on campus, his redshirt year in 2021, and his redshirt freshman year in 2022. Milroe spent both seasons backing up Heisman Trophy winner and No. 1 overall NFL Draft pick Bryce Young.
O'Brien and Alabama parted ways following the 2022 season after he took a job with the New England Patriots. The Crimson Tide replaced O'Brien with then-Notre Dame offensive coordinator Tommy Rees, who has developed an excellent relationship with Milroe.
"He's done a really good job with my development and helping me out and pushing me in the right direction to be successful," Milroe said. "I take a lot of pride in wearing the 'A,' but also being coached by him. Because beyond football, just him as a person has been really, really good for me, and I've benefitted from having Coach Rees here."
