Matt Patricia’s difficulties could provide Bill O’Brien with an opportunity to return to the NFL.
According to NFL Network, O’Brien is considered a “strong option” to return to New England to run the offense again as the Patriots continue to struggle under Patricia’s first-year leadership as offensive coordinator.
O’Brien, who is completing his second season as the offensive coordinator on Nick Saban’s staff at Alabama, previously worked for Bill Belichick from 2007 to 2011 with the Patriots. In 2009, he assumed play-calling responsibilities after serving as offensive coordinator for only one season.
Belichick’s attempt to transition Patricia, a veteran defensive coordinator and coach, to the offensive side of the ball did not go as planned. The Patriots’ offense ranked 17th in points scored, 23rd in passing yards, and 19th in rushing yards before to this weekend.
During a Dec. 5 interview with WEEI, Belichick stated of the offense, “I think we need to do what we’re doing better.” “At this time, I do not believe that a number of drastic adjustments… It is very difficult to do it.”
Mac Jones has been visibly angry during games, presumably due to some of the play-calling, including a recent outburst against the Cardinals on “Monday Night Football.” Jones then clarified that his anger was not directed at Patricia.
O’Brien, meanwhile, is completing a two-year contract at Alabama, per NFL Network, and a potential return to the NFL looms without an extension. Before moving to Alabama, O’Brien led the Texans as head coach from 2014 until 2020.
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