Report: Bill O'Brien 'primary' target for Patriots offensive coordinator job

The marriage between Alabama and Bill O’Brien seems to be over. With the offensive coordinator’s contract expiring, he is not expected back in Tuscaloosa for a third season. Instead, the NFL seems to be knocking once again — with a familiar face reportedly wanting O’Brien back.

According to Tom Curran of NBC Sports Boston, O’Brien is the “primary” target for the Patriots as they search for their next offensive coordinator. He says everyone involved agrees O’Brien would be best suited to work with franchise quarterback Mac Jones.

“The primary target is former Patriots OC, former Penn State and Texans head coach, former Alabama OC Bill O’Brien,” Curran said. “There is unanimity on all sides that O’Brien’s the best person for the job and — while there are other candidates with merit — the familiarity ownership and Mac Jones have with O’Brien and O’Brien’s willingness to return mean it would be an upset if he doesn’t get the job.”

New England has long been the favorite to land O’Brien, despite being connected elsewhere. There was a thought he could be in the running for the Tennessee Titans offensive coordinator job, citing his relationship with head coach Mike Vrabel.

O’Brien was also linked with a couple of college football head coaching roles that opened. However, those potential opportunities never came to fruition and the NFL has become the main landing spot.

Bill O’Brien leaving Alabama, most likely heading to NFL

Bryce Young has been the guy in Tuscaloosa for the past two seasons. He has a Heisman Trophy and was close to winning a national championship. But things have just felt off the past two seasons on offense for Alabama.

O’Brien will be the odd man out and will not get an opportunity to extend his career with the Crimson Tide. They will now go into a transitional phase on the offensive end once O’Brien officially gets a new job.

If New England is making O’Brien their primary target and he eventually accepts, he would not be fully escaping Alabama quarterbacks. Or fans.

Jones struggled in his sophomore NFL season but a lot of the blame was placed on the lack of an offensive staff. Any kind of hire would be considered an upgrade in Foxborough, especially someone they have seen success with in the past.