Skip to main content

Ex Patriots' Bill O'Brien Stays in New England, Hired by Boston College

After a dismal season overseeing the New England Patriots' offense, Bill O'Brien is headed back to college as head coach at Boston College.

In the wake of his historic departure from the New England Patriots, Bill Belichick still doesn't have a job. But more and more, his long-time friends and family are securing careers after Foxboro.

As expected, on Friday former Patriots' offensive coordinator has been hired as head coach at Boston College. Also this week, Belichick's two sons landed jobs in 2024: Steve at the University of Washington and Brian on new head coach Jared Mayo's staff in New England.

New England Patriots Mac Jones (10), Bailey Zappe (4) and Bill O'Brien

At Boston College, O'Brien will replace Jeff Hafley after he left to become defensive coordinator of the Green Bay Packers. After it was clear he would not be retained by Mayo, O'Brien was named offensive coordinator at Ohio State last month before the opportunity arose in Chestnut Hill.

Along with the entire team, O'Brien endured an abysmal 2023 in Foxboro. Brought back by Belichick to help restore the confidence and development of quarterback Mac  Jones, the Patriots' offense instead deteriorated into one of the worst in the NFL. New England finished 4-13, tied with the Carolina Panthers for the fewest points scored and permanently benched Jones for the final four games.

O'Brien was previously on the Pats' staff from 2007-11 during the Tom Brady era.