Tide officially hire O’Brien
Bill O’Brien is officially the new offensive coordinator and quarterbacks coach at Alabama, replacing Steve Sarkisian.
The former Texans coach and general manager, fired after an 0-4 start, is relaunching his coaching career in Tuscaloosa with the national champions.
“We are pleased and happy to be able to add Bill O’Brien to our coaching staff,” Alabama coach Nick Saban said in a statement. “He has a wealth of experience as both an offensive coordinator and head coach in the NFL and college. Bill is one of the brightest offensive minds in football, an outstanding teacher and excellent recruiter. He will strengthen our coaching staff and give our players the best possible chance to be successful.”
A former Penn State head coach and New England Patriots offensive coordinator, O’Brien went 5248 with the Texans and won four AFC South division titles.
“I am honored and excited to join Coach Saban’s staff at The University of Alabama,” O’Brien said in a statement. “I have an incredible amount of admiration for the rich football tradition at this University and the success Coach Saban has had during his time in Tuscaloosa. I’m looking forward to the opportunity to work with some of the best football players in the country, while helping to continue the success this program has enjoyed for many years.”
O’Brien took over at Penn State after the Jerry Sandusky scandal and went 15-9 before being hired by the Texans.
Alabama also hired O’Brien’s best friend, former Jaguars coach Doug Marrone, as offensive line coach.
When he was fired, O’Brien emphasized that he hoped to coach again.
“I want to coach,” he said. “Football is the ultimate team game. No doubt in my mind I want to coach again.”