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Boston College announces Bill O'Brien will return as head coach in 2026

Danby: Daniel Hager2 hours agoDanielHagerOn3

Boston College AD Blake James announced on Tuesday that head coach Bill O’Brien will return next season. O’Brien just wrapped up his second season with the program, which finished 2-10 (1-7). Across two seasons, he has led the Golden Eagles to a 9-16 (5-11) record.

After winning its season opener against Fordham, Boston College lost 10 consecutive games before downing Syracuse 34-12 in its season finale on Saturday. In a letter penned to fans, James revealed that the University is increasing its financial support for the football program. This includes making the maximum level of revenue share available to the roster.

“The 2025 Boston College football season has come to an end, and I share the great disappointment of many students, faculty, and staff as well as alumni and fans around the world,” James wrote in a statement. “While the team ended the season on a positive note by defeating Syracuse 34-12, the overall results on the field this year did not meet the standards of Boston College Athletics, nor the expectations rightfully held by those who care deeply about our program.”

“‘Like many, I believe Coach O’Brien is the right man to be our head coach. I also realize that Boston College must respond to major changes taking place in intercollegiate athletics, including the House legal settlement, which created a framework through which colleges and universities may directly share revenue with student-athletes.”

“While our Athletics program participated in revenue sharing this past year, effective immediately, it will increase its commitment to the maximum permissible level, putting it in line with our Autonomy Four conference peers. The University is committed to supporting football with the resources necessary to compete while maintaining its longstanding academic and ethical standards.”

“In addition, BC will make significant investments in operational and administrative support for football, most notably the addition of a General Manager (Kenyatta Watson) to support roster management, player recruitment and development, and general program oversight. These enhancements will strengthen our ability to operate effectively within the evolving landscape of college athletics and to compete at the highest level.”

“To meet the resource requirements of this new moment for BC football, philanthropic support will be critical. I am pleased to announce that Boston College has received a $50 million challenge to match on a 1-1 basis over the next 5-7 years new endowment gifts for athletics scholarships and operational costs (travel, nutrition, and medical care, etc.) Details about this extraordinary commitment will be announced in the coming days. The University intends to launch a special fundraising effort separate from its existing Soaring Higher campaign to meet not only the $50 million match, but to add to it and raise even more endowment to support BC’s Athletics program.”

“I am deeply grateful for the continue engagement, generosity, and dedication of our alumni and friends to BC football during this time of great change. Such support enables our student-athletes to strive for excellence on the field, in the classroom, and in the service of others. They and I rely on your partnership, especially during this pivotal period in American intercollegiate sports.”