Skip to main content

Will Patriots Bill O'Brien 'Revitalize' QB Mac Jones' Career'?

The New England Patriots hired former Alabama offensive coordinator and quarterbacks coach Bill O'Brien in January.

Despite their University of Alabama paths never crossing, New England Patriots quarterback Mac Jones and offensive coordinator Bill O'Brien both spent two years leading the Crimson Tide offense.

Jones, the starting signal caller in Tuscaloosa from 2019-20, tossed a mind-boggling 55 touchdowns compared to just seven interceptions over a 24-game span. 

While O'Brien was hired prior to the 2021 season, spending the next two years as the offensive coordinator and quarterbacks coach. 

However, the duos experience behind head coach Nick Saban could play a key role to their success as leaders of this Patriots offense. 

In ESPN's recent, "Best, worst 2023 NFL offseasons," it addressed the impact O'Brien could play in improving the Patriots heading into 2023. 

"There should be some semblance of a shared language between [Jones and O'Brien,]" ESPN writes. "Going to coach for Nick Saban can help revitalize a career too; Brian Daboll came out of his year as the Crimson Tide's offensive coordinator in 2017 with a much more modern offense than the one he showed with the Browns and Dolphins, and the current Giants head coach has been on an upward trajectory ever since."

On top of hiring the longtime NFL and collegiate coach, New England revamped its offense this offseason by signing former Pro Bowl wide receiver JuJu Smith-Schuster and Mike Gesicki in free agency. 

"Smith-Schuster might not ever again be the guy who racked up 1,426 yards for the Steelers in a season, but he is a tough wideout who can still create after the catch," ESPN writes. "Gesicki, a 6-foot-6 wide receiver masquerading as a tight end, gives Jones size to work with in the red zone."

Looking to forget his disappointing 2022 campaign, Jones has all the pieces to take a step forward entering Year 3.  


Follow Riley Sheppard on Twitter @RileyDSheppard

Follow Patriots Country on Twitter and Facebook

Want the latest in breaking news and insider information on the Patriots? Click Here

More Patriots coverage from Sports Illustrated here.