The New England Patriots are bringing an end to the Matt Patricia era of offensive play-calling by hiring Bill O’Brien as their new offensive coordinator.
ESPN’s Adam Schefter and Chris Low reported the news on Tuesday morning.
There was a growing belief that the Patriots would move quickly on a decision after the team recently announced they would begin their search for a new offensive coordinator. Josh McDaniels was the last man to officially hold the title before leaving in 2022 for the head coaching job with the Las Vegas Raiders.
The Patriots never officially named a successor and went with former defensive coordinator Matt Patricia instead as their new offensive play-caller. Disaster struck the offense that season, and the team quickly turned the page back to O’Brien, who spent last season as the offensive coordinator for the Alabama Crimson Tide.
Alabama OC/QB coach Bill O’Brien has returned to New England and is being named the Patriots offensive coordinator, sources tell @ClowESPN and me. O’Brien was a Patriots’ assistant coach from 2007-2011, and now returns to coach Mac Jones, whom he briefly worked with at Alabama.
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) January 24, 2023
The addition of O’Brien brings a much-needed change to New England’s offense and familiarity for former Alabama quarterback Mac Jones as the Patriots look to right the ship in 2023.
