Bill O’Brien will become the playcaller in a familiar place in 2023 after being named the New England Patriots’ new offensive coordinator.
O’Brien’s first season with New England began in 2007, and he was finally named the team’s offensive coordinator in 2011. He is familiar with the Patriots and quarterback Mac Jones since both were at Alabama in recent years.
Former Patriots tight end Rob Gronkowski weighed in on the move to bring in O’Brien and gave his former coach a strong endorsement.
«I love Bill O’Brien. I loved playing for him,» Gronkowski said Wednesday on the «Up and Adams Show» with Kay Adams.
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Rob Gronkowski of the New England Patriots against the Miami Dolphins at Hard Rock Stadium on December 9, 2018 in Miami, Florida.
(Michael Reaves/Getty Images)
Gronk and O’Brien became acquainted over a two-year period in New England. In 2010, Gronk was a rookie tight end selected in the second round of the draft and O’Brien was the quarterbacks coach.
ROB GRONKOWSKI SAYS HE FELT ‘SUPER DEPRESSED’ SOMETIMES WITH PATRIOTS
The following year, O’Brien was promoted to offensive coordinator, and Gronk flourished under his playing calling, finishing the season as an All-Pro.
Gronkowski was optimistic about what O’Brien can bring to Foxborough.
«I love the energy that he brings to the table,» Gronkowski said. «He has that niche for you to go out there and play your best football, to get excited and want to go out on the field and get better every day and make big plays. It was just a great time that he was here those two seasons.»
Veteran head coach Bill Belichick took an unorthodox approach to the offense in 2022, which yielded unimpressive results.
The Patriots finished 26th in total offense and 32nd in red zone efficiency last season with defensive coach Matt Patricia serving as the offensive play caller.
Bill O’Brien of the New England Patriots on the sidelines in the second half against the Buffalo Bills on January 1, 2012 at Gillette Stadium in Foxboro, Massachusetts.
(Elsa/Getty Images)
Gronkowski added that he thinks O’Brien will change the offense.
«His knowledge of football is through the roof, and I think he will definitely restore the Patriot faithful to the offensive side of the ball,» Gronkowski said.
Gronk also hinted that New England was willing to pay O’Brien more than a typical assistant coach would ask.
New England Patriots quarterback Tom Brady (12), head coach Bill Belichick and offensive coordinator Bill O’Brien on the field before a game against the Baltimore Ravens at Gillette Stadium in Foxboro, Massachusetts, on October 4, 2009.
(Damian Strohmeyer/Sports Illustrated via Getty Images)
«He’s going to put his guys in the best position to make plays. He’s going to come up with some creative ideas, and I think they’re definitely going to improve tremendously as an offense under Bill O’Brien.
«That’s what the Patriots had to get. They had to get Bill O’Brien … I hope they paid the head coach, because they definitely had to,» Gronkowski added.
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O’Brien also served as the head coach of the Houston Texans from 2014 to 2020. He led the team to four playoff appearances before being fired in 2020 after an 0-4 start.