Ohio State is set to hire former New England Patriots offensive coordinator Bill O’Brien in the same role, sources told ESPN’s Pete Thamel.
Head coach Ryan Day spent time this offseason looking for an experienced offensive coordinator who could handle play-calling responsibilities, Thamel adds.
O’Brien previously served as Alabama’s offensive coordinator from 2021-22, helping quarterback Bryce Young win the Heisman Trophy. The Crimson Tide offense averaged over 470 yards per game in both seasons under O’Brien.
The Patriots’ offense struggled to replicate the success O’Brien has had at other stops, ranking 30th in yards per game (276.2) and tied for 32nd in points per contest (13.9) in 2023 as New England stumbled to a 4-13 season.
The 54-year-old also compiled a 15-9 record as the head coach at Penn State from 2012-13 and a 52-48 record as the sideline boss with the Houston Texans from 2014-20.