Former Houston Texans and Penn State head coach Bill O’Brien is taking over at Boston College.
The school hired O’Brien to head the program on Friday afternoon, replacing Jeff Hafley, who recently left to become the defensive coordinator of the Green Bay Packers.
O’Brien, a Boston native, most recently was the offensive coordinator of the New England Patriots. He accepted the same position at Ohio State last month before landing the Boston College job.
“I am thrilled to welcome Bill O’Brien, his wife Colleen, and his sons Jack and Michael to Boston College,” Boston College athletic director Blake James said in a statement. “When we embarked on this search, we prioritized finding a coach who believes in our mission and vision, who has a plan for greatness on and off the field, and who will work tirelessly to elevate BC Football.”
O’Brien, 54, had been hired at Ohio State to take over the play-calling duties from head coach Ryan Day. O’Brien’s family is rooted in the Boston area and planned to remain there while O’Brien was in Columbus, ESPN reported.
Later Friday, the Buckeyes brought on UCLA head coach Chip Kelly as their offensive coordinator and quarterbacks coach.
Boston College finished 7-6 in 2023 and is getting a coach with a blue-chip pedigree.
O’Brien worked on Bill Belichick’s staff with the Patriots from 2007-11 and was quarterbacks coach to Tom Brady. He left to take over at Penn State in 2012 and was named Big Ten Coach of the Year and Bear Bryant National Coach of the Year.
From 2014-20, he led the Texans to the playoffs four times.
