Best choices to succeed Bill Belichick in New England

Aug 26, 2022; Paradise, Nevada, USA; New England Patriots head coach Bill Belichick enters the field before the game against the Las Vegas Raiders at Allegiant Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports
Aug 26, 2022; Paradise, Nevada, USA; New England Patriots head coach Bill Belichick enters the field before the game against the Las Vegas Raiders at Allegiant Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports /
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INDIANAPOLIS, INDIANA – FEBRUARY 25: Head coach Bill O’Brien of the Houston Texans interviews during the first day of the NFL Scouting Combine at Lucas Oil Stadium on February 25, 2020 in Indianapolis, Indiana. (Photo by Alika Jenner/Getty Images)
INDIANAPOLIS, INDIANA – FEBRUARY 25: Head coach Bill O’Brien of the Houston Texans interviews during the first day of the NFL Scouting Combine at Lucas Oil Stadium on February 25, 2020 in Indianapolis, Indiana. (Photo by Alika Jenner/Getty Images) /

Best choices to succeed Bill Belichick in New England

Bill O’Brien

Bill O’Brien also makes a ton of sense to succeed Bill Belichick in New England.

From 2007-2011, he was with the Patriots in various offensive roles.  After that stint, he coached at the college level at Penn State as their head coach, became the head coach of the Houston Texans, and just spent the past two seasons as Alabama’s QB’s coach and offensive coordinator.

He’s got perhaps the best resume of anyone who isn’t a head coach in the NFL currently.  He’s had success in each of his roles, and I think many have recency bias here.  His role as the de-facto GM of the Houston Texans was not pretty, but he was a darn good head coach and is a proven offensive mind.

I would absolutely love this fit.  He’s been with the team for some of their greatest offensive success and has won as a coordinator, position coach, and as a head coach.  My worry here is perhaps what the Patriots have worried about with Mayo.

If they don’t do something starting next offseason, O’Brien just might jump ship to go be a head coach again in the NFL.  If the Pats could have genuine interest in O’Brien as the Belichick successor, they should ensure he stays with the organization.