Ohio State football coach opens up about Bill O'Brien rumors

Just weeks ago, Ohio State announced that Bill O'Brien would join the football program as offensive coordinator for the 2024 season, but already there are credible rumors that he could leave the Buckeyes to coach Boston College instead.

Ohio State coach Ryan Day acknowledged those rumors and noted that, while O'Brien is currently working for the team at the Woody Hayes Athletic Center, he doesn't have an update for what O'Brien's plans are in the future.

"It isn't just one of those situations where you take out one guy and put another guy in there and move on," Day said on Wednesday.

"It doesn't work that way. But yes, we talked to different people for that position and we have contingency plans in place. Hopefully, we don't have to go down that road, though."

O'Brien grew up near Boston and spent last season as the offensive coordinator for the New England Patriots.

His name emerged as the favorite to take over the BC program after head coach Jeff Hafley departed to take the defensive coordinator position with the Green Bay Packers, and insiders note that O'Brien has interviewed with Boston College about the head coaching position.

Whatever happens, Day says he plans to give up offensive play-calling duties in 2024.

The prospect of O'Brien leaving Ohio State could have a direct effect on the status of Julian Sayin. The former five-star quarterback transferred to the Buckeyes from Alabama this offseason after the retirement of Nick Saban, and it's believed he chose OSU to reunite with O'Brien, who was OC for the Tide when he originally committed.

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