NFL insider explains how Joe Judge's hiring impacted Patriots interest in Bill O'Brien

Last week, it was widely reported that there was mutual interest between the New England Patriots and Alabama offensive coordinator Bill O’Brien to fill its recent offensive coordinator vacancy that opened when Josh McDaniels was named the Las Vegas Raiders’ head coach.

But that “mutual interest” appears to have faded after the Patriots announced the hiring of former New York Giants head coach Joe Judge as an unspecified offensive assistant with ensuing reports indicating New England head coach Bill Belichick was willing to go ahead without an official offensive coordinator.

That decision appears to be coming to fruition after NFL Network insider Ian Rapoport revealed how Judge’s hiring ultimately impacted the Patriots’ interest in O’Brien.

More Rapoport: "I think it’s possible that this may be it on the offensive side of the ball. I feel like it would be Judge with some added responsibility, Nick Caley with some added responsibility, Mick Lombardi with some added responsibility and kind of do it all as a group."

— Ryan Hannable (@RyanHannable) February 10, 2022

During a radio appearance on Gresh and Keefe on WEEI in Boston, Rapoport explained O’Brien “was considered” for the Patriots’ coordinator position, according to WEEI Patriots reporter Ryan Hannable, but Belichik instead settled on Judge to handle “the offensive side of the ball, not special teams.”

Now it appears New England may utilize a offensive coordinator-by-committee approach.

“I think it’s possible that this may be it on the offensive side of the ball,” Rapoport said, via Hannable. “I feel like it would be Judge with some added responsibility, Nick Caley with some added responsibility, Mick Lombardi with some added responsibility and kind of do it all as a group.”

Rapoport previously tweeted the Patriots were still working through some things regarding their open offensive coordinator job, but once Judge entered the picture, that decision appears made.

“The addition of Joe Judge gives them added leadership on offense and allows them to move some responsibilities around,” Rapoport said. “So Judge heads back home.”

Judge worked in New England for eight seasons (2012-2019), the last five as special teams coordinator. In 2019, Judge added the title of wide receivers coach, providing the impetus for his return as an offensive assistant.

The New York Giants fired Judge earlier this year after two seasons with a 10-23 record.

What’s happening with New England Patriots?

Last week, both Rapoport and ESPN’s Adam Schefter cited credible sources listing O’Brien as the leading candidate to replace former Patriots offensive coordinator Josh McDaniels, who left to become the Las Vegas Raiders head coach.

“One person to watch (in New England) is a former New England Patriots assistant coach and former Houston Texans head coach Bill O’Brien,” Schefter said Sunday.

A reunion with Belichick and the New England Patriots makes sense, as Judge works to rehab his reputation after two brutal years in New York.

But as the last few weeks have shown, NFL coaching searches can change at a drop of a hat. But, at least as it stands now, Bill O’Brien might just remain at Alabama for another season.