Slade Bolden explains how Bill O'Brien has impacted Alabama this season

After the departure of Steve Sarkisian, Alabama head coach Nick Saban reached out to former Houston Texans head coach Bill O’Brien about the opportunity to serve as offensive coordinator. Although the only job offer he received, it presented him with an opportunity to coach a talented core into the College Football Playoffs.

Alabama wide receiver Slade Bolden spoke about first-year offensive coordinator Bill O’Brien and the difference he has made for the team’s young offense.

“It’s been great having Coach O’Brien this year,” said Bolden. “I feel like it didn’t take long for us to connect as an offense with him. And I feel like it’s only improved, the chemistry throughout the season. We all trust when O’Brien’s play‑calling, and we know that he’s going to put us in the best position. And the best thing about Coach OB is he wants success for us and he wants us to do well more than him. So he’s going to try to put us in the best situation that he thinks. And we all trust and believe that that’s the best as well.”

Bill O’Brien and the Alabama staff has used Slade Bolden in a number of ways throughout his career, at wide receiver and wildcat quarterback, along with emergency running back. The junior has 32 receptions for 333 yards and two touchdowns, adding one carry and reps as a punt returner this season.

Bill O’Brien joins Alabama team

Alabama offensive coordinator Bill O’Brien joined the team in Dallas ahead of the Crimson Tide’s Cotton Bowl and College Football Playoff semifinal game against Cincinnati on Friday. According to O’Brien, he took part virtually in every meeting while isolated and things went normal.

The first year Alabama assistant arrived Tuesday morning after testing positive for COVID-19 last week. He has already spoken with Associate Athlete Director of Sports Medicine Jeff Allen about the updated SEC protocols.

Preparing for their Cotton Bowl matchup against Cincinnati, Alabama spent time without Bill O’Brien and offensive line coach Doug Marrone. Both tested positive for COVID-19 and entered protocols before the team travelled to Dallas this week. From the time of the positive tests, head coach Nick Saban expressed optimism that both assistants would return in time for the Cotton Bowl and a potential National Championship chance the following week.

The winner of the Cotton Bowl between No. 1 Alabama and No. 4 Cincinnati will play the winner of No. 2 Michigan and No. 3 Georgia in the national championship on Jan. 10.