Patriots name former Texans HC Bill O'Brien as team's new OC

Bill O'Brien is hired by the New England Patriots as their new offensive coordinator after relieving Matt Patricia from the role. O'Brien previously worked on the Patriots coaching staff for five seasons (2007 - 2011), including his final season as their offensive coordinator. He left New England the first time around to become the head coach of the Penn State Nittany Lions (2012 - 2013). O'Brien left Penn State to become the Houston Texans next head coach in January 2014.

In his six-plus seasons as Texans head coach, O'Brien compiled a record of 52 - 48 (.520), making the playoffs and winning the AFC South four times. He was fired after Week Four of the 2020 season. The Alabama Crimson Tide hired him as their offensive coordinator in January 2021. During his time with the Crimson Tide, he worked with current Patriots quarterback Mac Jones. This was likely a huge factor in why the team targeted Bill O'Brien as offensive coordinator.