Ohio State University has reportedly made a significant addition to its coaching staff, hiring Bill O’Brien as the new offensive coordinator. O’Brien, a seasoned coach with three decades of experience, previously served as the head coach for Penn State and the Houston Texans, and most recently held the position of offensive coordinator and quarterbacks coach for the New England Patriots.
During his coaching career, O’Brien has achieved success both in collegiate and NFL settings. His notable achievements include being the offensive coordinator and quarterbacks coach at Alabama, where he played a key role in guiding Bryce Young to win the Heisman Trophy in 2021. Despite a less successful recent stint with the Patriots, O’Brien’s previous tenure with the team from 2007-2011 showcased his ability to lead potent offenses, culminating in an AFC championship in 2011.
Expected to take on a crucial role as a “head coach for the offense” at Ohio State, O’Brien is likely to oversee offensive play-calling duties. This strategic move allows Ryan Day, the head coach, to transition into a CEO role, relinquishing direct involvement in offensive play-calling after five years. O’Brien’s extensive experience positions him to influence the offensive staff’s composition, potentially leading to additional changes within the offensive coaching ranks.
While Brian Hartline is anticipated to continue contributing to the staff as co-offensive coordinator and wide receivers coach, Corey Dennis, the previous quarterbacks coach, is not expected to retain his position. O’Brien’s hiring marks the second addition to Ohio State’s coaching staff for the 2024 season, complementing the earlier appointment of Matt Guerrieri as the new safeties coach. The university still has one coaching vacancy, likely to be filled by another defensive assistant, focusing on the defensive line. This move comes after the dismissal of special teams coordinator Parker Fleming.