College Sports

Bill O’Brien reportedly ‘expected’ to become next Boston College head coach

O'Brien, a Massachusetts native, is set to take over following Jeff Hafley's departure.

Bill O'Brien Boston College
Bill O'Brien with the Patriots in 2023. AP Photo/Matt Freed

By Hayden Bird

1 minute to read

Former Patriots offensive coordinator Bill O’Brien is set to make his second job change in the same offseason.

According to Kevin Stone of New England Football Journal (and followed up by ESPN’s Pete Thamel), O’Brien is “expected” to become the next head coach of Boston College’s football team.

O’Brien, 54, initially left the Patriots in January following a disappointing 2023 season to become Ohio State’s offensive coordinator. But with former Boston College coach Jeff Halfley leaving to become the Packers’ defensive coordinator, the local ACC school was suddenly left with a vacancy.

Should O’Brien formally accept the job, it would allow him to stay with his family (who reportedly intended to remain in the area even as he took the role in Columbus, according to Thamel).

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O’Brien has several ties to the region, including being a Massachusetts native (and having multiple stints as an offensive assistant with the Patriots). His wife, Colleen, is a Boston College graduate.

It wouldn’t be O’Brien’s first college head coaching role. He led Penn State in the 2012 and 2013 seasons, compiling a 15-9 record in that time. His most recent experience at the college level was coaching Heisman Trophy winner Bryce Young at Alabama prior to rejoining the Patriots a year ago.

Boston College went 7-6 in 2023, winning the Wasabi Fenway Bowl 23-14 over SMU.

Hayden Bird

Sports Staff

Hayden Bird is a sports staff writer for Boston.com, where he has worked since 2016. He covers all things sports in New England.

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