Bill O'Brien addresses NFL rumors, decision to remain committed to Nick Saban

Alabama fans don’t have to worry about losing Bill O’Brien to the NFL, at least for now. The Crimson Tide offensive coordinator spoke with media on Sunday, where he affirmed his commitment to Nick Saban despite offseason rumors linking him to jobs with the Patriots and Raiders.

“I’ve made a commitment to coach Saban,” O’Brien said. “Those things come up relative to what your role is in different programs and where you’ve been. I’ve been doing this a long time and I’ve had various roles in coaching, so obviously those things come up. But I’ve made a commitment to coach Saban and I love coaching here. The players, the coaching staff has been a really good experience. I’ve learned a lot and I’m very appreciative to coach for giving me this opportunity.”

O’Brien was an assistant for the Patriots from 2007-11 and later the head coach of the Houston Texans from 2014-20, so it wouldn’t have been surprising if he decided to rejoin the NFL fold. However, right now his focus remains on the Alabama offense as they look to compete for a national title in 2022.

After the Texans fired him in 2020, O’Brien re-entered the college ranks to become Alabama’s offensive coordinator and quarterbacks coach this past season. He helped Bryce Young to become the first quarterback in school history to win the Heisman as Alabama finished No. 7 in the country in total offense with 488.2 yards per game. Despite this, the Crimson Tide fell just short of a national championship after losing to Georgia in the title game.

Now with O’Brien and Young both set to return this season, redemption is on their minds. Thanks to transfer portal additions, O’Brien figures to once again have the Alabama offense humming.

But just because Bill O’Brien declined NFL offers this offseason doesn’t mean he won’t eventually move on to a new job. Alabama fans should be used to their coordinators leaving after Mike Locksley became the head coach at Maryland in 2019 and Steve Sarkisian left for the same role at Texas after two seasons on Saban’s staff. O’Brien also has experience as a college head coach after leading Penn State in 2012 and 2013. Is it possible he would want to try to lead a college program again?

Either way, O’Brien is committed to Saban and the Tide for this season, which is now less than a month away. Alabama is scheduled to kick off the 2022 season on Sept. 3 against Utah State.