Alabama OC Bill O'Brien responds to rumors about NFL return

NEW ORLEANS — Bill O’Brien has been the offensive coordinator at Alabama for each of the last two seasons. During that time, the Crimson Tide have averaged an impressive 40.3 points while also putting up 482.6 yards per game. Even with those numbers, O’Brien isn’t a sure thing to be back in 2023.

In fact, there are rumors circulating that the former head coach could be returning to NFL.

At this time, O’Brien hasn’t been offered a new contract by Alabama. His current two-year contract is set to expire after this season, which means he’ll need a new one if he wants to return. But that’s the point. We’re not sure if O’Brien wants to be back, and we don’t know if Alabama wants him back.

I suppose those uncertainties will be addressed in the near future, particularly after the team plays Kansas State in the Sugar Bowl on Saturday. If there’s mutual interest in continuing the relationship, something could get hammered out rather quickly so the focus can shift towards spring. If there isn’t, then it’s better for something to get done sooner rather than later.

For now, O’Brien is saying all the right things.

“I would tell you that the focus for me, and this coaching staff, and for these players has really been on these games that we’re playing,” O’Brien responded when asked if he is considering a return to the New England Patriots. “… Those things, almost every year that I’ve been in coaching — at least over the last 12 years for me — have come up a lot. Those are things that are addressed after the season.

“We’re focused on this game. We’ve been focused on every game we’ve played this year and last year. So like I said, it’s kind of that time of year when things come up and things pop up. I haven’t spoken to anybody in New England since probably last April when I went by and saw those guys while I was up there.”

Of course, that wasn’t the last time O’Brien was asked about a potential return. Granted, the next time around wasn’t specific to New England. Instead, he was asked whether he’s been in contact with any NFL teams and if there was any interest in returning to the NFL.

“I have a lot of friends in the NFL, so the answer to that would be yes. I mean, I have a lot of coaching friends in the NFL. They’re some of my closest friends,” O’Brien responded. “But relative to working in the NFL, no. And relative to working here [at Alabama], like I said, I’ve loved my experience here.

“I’m focused on this game coming up. Whatever conversations happen after this game, those will take place when they take place. But I’m really just focused on this game and doing as good of a job as I can with the players and the coaching staff to have a productive offense on Saturday.”

Does that sound like a guy who will be back after this season? Get on over to the Talk of Champions message board and get in on the discussion.

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