Bill O'Brien addresses Alabama future, NFL job speculation

Nick Saban has gotten used to his coordinators being replaced on a regular basis. Many have taken jobs elsewhere, mainly at the college level. Offensive coordinator Bill O’Brien could be the latest to do so, with his name being linked with the New England Patriots.

But for now, he is still employed by Alabama and has a Sugar Bowl against Kansas State coming up on Saturday. O’Brien said all of his focus is on the Wildcats, wanting to get another win to close out the 2022 season.

In fact, there have not even been conversations with New England in nearly eight months.

“The focus for me and this coaching staff is on these games we’re playing,” O’Brien said. “This game coming up. … Those things are addressed after the season. … I haven’t spoken to anybody in New England since last April.”

O’Brien making his way back to the NFL would be nothing new, especially with the Patriots. He spent time as the offensive coordinator under head coach Bill Belichick for a season before accepting the Penn State job.

The Houston Texans then came knocking, employing him as a head coach. O’Brien was there for six years but was eventually run out of town after taking over the general manager role. Saban was quick to pick O’Brien up for Alabama shortly after Steve Sarkisian left for Texas.

Alabama fans have been critical of their offensive coordinator all year, wanting more. Even with a Heisman Trophy-winning Bryce Young on the roster, there have been times when things have not felt complete.

Either way, all focus is on getting a Sugar Bowl victory against Kansas State. Once the New Year hits, there can be discussions on coaching changes.

Report: Bill O’Brien ‘strong option’ for Patriots OC next season

Bill O’Brien could be leaving his post in Tuscaloosa to make his way back to the NFL.

According to NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport, the former New England Patriots offensive coordinator and Houston Texans head coach could return to Foxborough next season, which would end his time as Nick Saban’s offensive play-caller at Alabama.

“Sources say Alabama offensive coordinator Bill O’Brien is a strong option to return to his former home and assume his old role as OC under Bill Belichick for next season,” wrote Rapoport. “This would be a potential answer to an important question facing the Patriots in the future.

“O’Brien has been the Crimson Tide’s OC for two seasons under Alabama head coach Nick Saban and will call plays against Kansas State in the Sugar Bowl on New Year’s Eve.”