Bill O’Brien wants to become the next head football coach at Boston College. Boston College wants Bill O’Brien to be its next head football coach.
There are other factors — and another candidate — in play.
The Eagles saw former head coach Jeff Haffley leave the program after just three seasons to join the Green Bay Packers as defensive coordinator. They have an opening to fill.
According to Kevin Stone of the New England Football Journal, O’Brien is the guy.
O’Brien was named as the offensive coordinator on Ryan Day’s staff at Ohio State less than one month ago. Stone was first reported that he might already be ready to bolt over the weekend. He’s been all over this.
Should both sides come to an official agreement, Bill O’Brien will be returning home.
Bill O’Brien is from Massachusetts!
O’Brien has deep-rooted ties to New England. He was born and raised in Dorchester, graduated from St. John’s Prep in Danvers, began his coaching career at Brown, and got his first job in the NFL with New England in 2007. Bill Belichick brought him back as the offensive coordinator last year.
Although O’Brien just arrived in Columbus, it seems likely that he will return back to where he grew up.
His camp has been in talks with Boston College over the last few days. Both parties want it to happen. Matt Ryan does too.
Bill O’Brien, to me…I think it would add a little bit of juice. I hope that there is the resources there to be able to provide what he needs to provide. I know he’s got ties to that part of the country and it could be a really good fit. It’ll be interesting to see.
— Matt Ryan, via 98.5 The Sports Hub
According to Stone, O’Brien has been the university’s top choice all along. The rest was more of a formality.
Notre Dame defensive line coach and run game coordinator Al Washington was also in the mix. The 39-year-old played for the Eagles and coached in Chestnut Hill from 2012-2016. He also had/has support among those involved with the decision, though there was hesitation about his lack of experience as a coordinator or head coach.
On one end, O’Brien brings a wealth of experience. However, he is coming off of a rough stint with the Patriots at 54 years old and will cost a good chunk of money on a longer term deal.
On the other end, Washington would have brought new life as someone who has been in the program. He is younger. His contract would have been far less expensive.
More details will emerge in coming days. A formal announcement should be here soon.
Barring a wild change of direction at the 11th hour, Washington or O’Brien will be heading back to New England as college football head coach.