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Bill O’Brien is issuing Mac Jones a fresh start as Patriots’ OC

By Justin Trombino

INDIANAPOLIS, IN - FEBRUARY 05: Offensive coordinator/quarterbacks coach Bill O'Brien of the New England Patriots looks on against the New York Giants during Super Bowl XLVI at Lucas Oil Stadium on February 5, 2012 in Indianapolis, Indiana. (Photo by Rob Carr/Getty Images)
INDIANAPOLIS, IN - FEBRUARY 05: Offensive coordinator/quarterbacks coach Bill O'Brien of the New England Patriots looks on against the New York Giants during Super Bowl XLVI at Lucas Oil Stadium on February 5, 2012 in Indianapolis, Indiana. (Photo by Rob Carr/Getty Images) /
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The New England Patriots needed to bring in some positive reinforcements to improve their offense this offseason after a disappointing 2022 season and it started by bringing back offensive coordinator Bill O’Brien to take charge of the offense and to coach the quarterbacks.

Since being hired in January, O’Brien hasn’t spoken to the media yet. However, that ended on Tuesday when the Patriots began their offseason workout programs and he stood at the podium in front of the media.

After nearly four months of familiarizing himself with this new Patriots team, it’s safe to say that O’Brien isn’t going to let last year’s results influence this year’s decisions.

"“I think the big thing for us right now is everybody starts with a clean slate. I think that every year is different. I think this year is no different than any other year. So, what you did in the past, whether it’s a player or coach or anybody in the organization, really has no bearing on what happens moving forward.”"

After leading the Patriots to the playoffs as a rookie, Jones took a noteworthy step backwards under the unusual experiment of having Matt Patricia as the offensive coordinator last season. He will now have his third offensive coordinator in as many years as he’s been in the NFL (3).

Although Jones and O’Brien haven’t worked with each other yet in New England, the two share a commonality of the Alabama offense. It’s well noted that as Jones was preparing for the NFL Draft in 2021, O’Brien was arriving as a new offensive coordinator in Tuscaloosa. Here’s what O’Brien said about their brief encounter.

"“When I first got hired, he was there getting ready for the draft. I basically met him, he talked to me about the generalities of the offense and that was about it. I think this time period here, this is the time where you really get to know all the players. So, relative to when I was (at Alabama) two years ago, he was there getting ready for the draft, I met him, and that was about it.”"

O’Brien was formerly with New England from 2007 until 2011 with various roles along the offense from an assistant, wide receivers coach, quarterbacks coach, and offensive coordinator during this span of four years.

He worked with Tom Brady and Randy Moss in ‘07 when the pair connected for 23 touchdowns, setting an NFL record. Brady threw for 50 touchdowns this year receiving plays from O’Brien.

It’s safe to say that Jones is in good hands having O’Brien calling plays for him this season.

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