Alabama football fans celebrated Tuesday after getting the news of Bill O’Brien leaving for the National Football League.
He returns to the New England Patriots after two seasons as Alabama’s offensive coordinator. Crimson Tide supporters are looking forward to a new offensive play-caller, especially one that brings creativity and balance. O’Brien endured criticism from fans; however, he did coach Bryce Young to a Heisman Trophy, position Jameson Williams and John Metchie to 1,000+ yard seasons as wide receivers, and helped Brian Robinson become a 1,000+ yard running back. He also assisted the Tide to a Southeastern Conference Championship (2021), a Cotton Bowl victory (2021 season), a College Football Playoff National Championship Game appearance, and an Allstate Sugar Bowl victory. Alabama averaged 40 points per game under O’Brien.
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Greg McElroy, a former Tide signal-caller, defended the offensive coordinator on his “Always College Football” podcast.
With Bill O’Brien heading back to the NFL, @GregMcElroy reacts to the former Alabama OC’s respectable tenure in Tuscaloosa.#AlwaysCFB | #RollTide pic.twitter.com/iTFjfyXgez
— Always College Football (@AlwaysCFB) January 24, 2023
The 2009 BCS National Champion credits O’Brien for ‘doing more with less’ in Tuscaloosa. McElroy called O’Brien’s tenure ‘underrated’ because he helped Young reset the school’s single-season passing record in 2021 with 4,872 yards and 47 touchdowns. McElroy also stated the Tide was more successful through the air with O’Brien versus Steve Sarkisian.
O’Brien has returned to Bill Belichick and has an opportunity to work with Mac Jones.
We will see how that marriage plays out. O’Brien’s departure is a win-win for him and Alabama.
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Stephen M. Smith is the managing editor and senior writer for Touchdown Alabama Magazine. You can “like” him on Facebook or “follow” him on Twitter, via @CoachingMSmith.
