It doesn’t look like Bill O’Brien will be part of the Patriots’ coaching staff this season, despite his history with Bill Belichick and New England’s need for an actual offensive coordinator. But that doesn’t mean O’Brien can’t visit Gillette Stadium from time to time.
That was the case last week, as O’Brien stopped by Foxborough for the first phase of the voluntary offseason workout program, reports ESPN’s Mike Reiss.
It’s not unusual to see various Friends of Belichick around the Patriots, even if they’re not on staff. O’Brien is currently the offensive coordinator for Alabama, working under Nick Saban, who’s the most decorated FOB.
Earlier this offseason, it was reported that Belichick didn’t approach O’Brien about rejoining the Patriots due to his friendship with Saban. Apparently, Belichick didn’t want to disrupt Saban’s staff. O’Brien signed a two-year contract with Alabama in 2021.
He served as the Patriots’ offensive coordinator in 2011 before leaving to coach Penn State from 2012-13 and the Texans from 2014-20.
In that same report, Greg Bedard of the Boston Sports Journal said Belichick could still try and poach O’Brien for next season. This year, Belichick is seemingly entrusting two of his other proteges, Matt Patricia and Joe Judge, with running the offensive operation.
They’ll probably need all of the help they can get.
