Columbus, Ohio – Ohio State University has hired Bill O’Brien as its new offensive coordinator and quarterbacks coach, bringing his three decades of coaching experience to the Buckeyes. O’Brien, the former head coach of Penn State and the Houston Texans, most recently served as the offensive coordinator and quarterbacks coach for the New England Patriots. He will now join Ohio State’s coaching staff under head coach Ryan Day.
O’Brien’s coaching career spans various successful stints as an offensive coordinator at both the NFL and collegiate levels. Prior to his role with the Patriots in 2023, he spent two years at Alabama as the offensive coordinator and quarterbacks coach, guiding Bryce Young to win the Heisman Trophy in 2021. O’Brien’s expertise and track record caught the attention of Ohio State, who sees him as a valuable addition to their coaching roster.
During his time with the Patriots, O’Brien played a pivotal role in developing some of the league’s most prolific offenses. From 2007 to 2011, he served as the team’s offensive coordinator, contributing to the Patriots’ AFC championship win in 2011 before their Super Bowl XLVI loss. However, in his most recent stint with the Patriots, their offensive performance struggled, ranking last in the NFL with just 13.9 points per game in 2023.
Despite this setback, O’Brien’s coaching history showcases his ability to adapt and succeed. As the head coach at Penn State in 2012 and 2013, he navigated the program through NCAA sanctions, leading the team to a 15-9 record despite a postseason ban and scholarship reductions. Following his time at Penn State, O’Brien took on the role of head coach for the Houston Texans in 2014, securing four AFC South titles in six seasons before his departure in 2020.
With his wealth of experience, O’Brien is expected to take on a prominent role as a “head coach for the offense” at Ohio State. This position will allow head coach Ryan Day to focus more on a CEO role, giving O’Brien the responsibility of offensive play-calling. Additionally, O’Brien will have input in the construction of the rest of the offensive staff, potentially leading to additional changes in personnel.
As part of Ohio State’s 2024 coaching staff, O’Brien joins Matt Guerrieri, who was recently hired as the safeties coach. The university still has one more coaching vacancy, likely to be filled by another defensive assistant. With these additions, Ohio State aims to strengthen its coaching staff and build upon their tradition of success on the football field.