Former Patriots offensive coordinator gives stamp of approval on New England's latest offensive line coach hire

CHESTNUT HILL, Mass - Boston College head coach Bill O'Brien now has two of his very close friends just down the road: Mike Vrabel and Doug Marrone. 

Vrabel was hired as the new head coach of the New England Patriots and he brought in Marrone to serve as the team's offensive line coach. 

So, what are the Patriots getting in Marrone? 

"They're getting a very smart guy, a very knowledgeable guy, a guy that can connect with his players, a guy that will do a really good job of understanding the talent that he has, and evaluating the talent that's out there to help Mike [Vrabel] bring in a good offensive line," O'Brien told reporters on Monday at BC Pro Day. "I think Mike made a great choice in hiring him."

Marrone brings a lot of experience to the Patriots as both a player and a coach. His first NFL coaching job was actually in the AFC East, serving as the offensive line coach for the New York Jets from 2002 to 2005. He then took the offensive coordinator opening with the New Orleans Saints in 2006. Marrone returned to college briefly, but the Buffalo Bills came calling for their head coaching opening in 2013. 

Marrone then moved on to the Jacksonville Jaguars in 2015 as their assistant head coach, but was named the head coach in 2016. In 2021 it was announced that he would not be retained, and made the move back to college for a season. 

He returned to the Saints in 2022 as the offensive line coach, but was fired at the end of the 2024 season. And now, he's in Foxborough. 

The Patriots offensive line has struggled over the past few seasons, so they are hoping that Marrone can help turn things around. Plus, they are making some major changes and additions.

Only time will tell, but it's clear Marrone is well respected across the league and that's always a good sign.