Former Alabama Crimson Tide offensive coordinator Bill O'Brien. Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports

Bill O’Brien on Patriots return: ‘I just couldn’t pass it up’

By Michael Gallagher | Last updated 1/31/23

It’s been 12 years since Bill O’Brien was last employed by the New England Patriots.

O’Brien acknowledged in a one-on-one interview with the Patriots official website that after stints at Penn State, Alabama and the Houston Texans, he knew it was time to return to his roots when New England came knocking, looking for a new offensive coordinator.

“Having worked here before, having grown up here, it was just a great opportunity for my family,” O’Brien said. “… I’ve had a lot of different experiences, but at the end of the day, the opportunity to come back here presented itself and it was something I couldn’t pass up. So, I hope maybe I can bring some of those experiences to the table here and help our football team. I’m looking forward to getting back and working for Bill (Belichick) and doing what’s best for the team.”

"The thing that I like about Bill O'Brien is it's going to allow Belichick to really focus on everything else on the team"

Julian Edelman shares his thoughts on Bill O'Brien & Mac Jones with @TomGilesNBCS on Arbella Early Edition pic.twitter.com/CC5HN3a04e
— NBC Sports Boston (@NBCSBoston) January 31, 2023

This will be O’Brien’s second stint as the Patriots offensive coordinator after serving in the role during the 2011 season. That year, New England ranked second in total offense and third in scoring. The Pats averaged 428 yards and 32.1 points per game.

O’Brien began his NFL coaching career in New England in 2007 as an offensive assistant. He worked his way up the ladder to wide receivers coach (2008) then quarterbacks coach (2009-10) before being promoted to OC.

The Patriots offense struggled in 2022 under Matt Patricia and Joe Judge, averaging just 208 yards passing, 106.6 yards rushing and 21.4 points per game. They ranked in the bottom half of the league in every offensive category.

More must-reads: