It’s been portrayed as a foregone conclusion that Bill O’Brien will rejoin the Patriots next season if and when they move on from Matt Patricia as their de-facto offensive coordinator.
But as we know, reality is often messier than fantasy. The Patriots could be facing some strong competition for O’Brien’s services this offseason.
Rick Stroud of the Tampa Bay Times floated the possibility of O’Brien replacing Byron Leftwich as the Buccaneers’ offensive play-caller in 2023, citing O’Brien’s relationship with Tom Brady. He’s a free agent at the end of the season, and bringing aboard O’Brien could be one of Tampa Bay’s best selling points.
O’Brien was with the Patriots from 2007-11, serving as their offensive coordinator in his final season. The Patriots were a juggernaut in 2011, finishing second in yards and third in points scored.
O’Brien is credited with diversifying the Patriots’ offense, integrating a two-tight end system with then-rookies Rob Gronkowski and Aaron Hernandez.
Stroud mentions that Brady and O’Brien sometimes got into verbal altercations — they were infamously at each other’s throats during a win over Washington in 2011 — but that Brady prefers hard coaching.
Interestingly enough, Mac Jones has also spoken about his desire to be coached hard. Last month, the Patriots’ quarterback said he wants to be “coached harder.”
O’Brien, whom Brady nicknamed “the teapot” due to his temper, would certainly supply that. But O’Brien’s return to Foxborough isn’t a feta accompli.
