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Former Houston Texans coach Bill O’Brien is one of the top contenders to replace Steve Sarkisian as Alabama’s offensive coordinator, and head coach Nick Saban has praised O ‘Brien when he practically spoke to the Houston media before the Paul “Bear” Bryant Awards banquet.
“I’ve known Bill O’Brien for a long, long time, since he was an assistant at Georgia Tech with George O’Leary,” Saban said Wednesday, according to SportsRadio 610.
“I think when he was with Bill Belichick at the New England Patriots – which I think everyone knows about the relationship we have with Bill – he was the offensive coordinator there. I went to Penn State in probably the toughest times of any great program, after a lot of crazy things, and he did a remarkable job rebuilding that program, making the players stay there, having a true representative positive program.
“And I think he did a really good job in Houston when he was head coach. I think when he became GM maybe things didn’t go exactly as he would have liked, trying to have both roles. But having been a head coach in this league, I know how difficult it is to do both of those things – probably impossible. So, based on the work done so far, I think he’s an exceptional coach and a very good person. He has a large family.
“And I think he will do a great job with our players here. I’ve always tried to have the best possible knowledge and experience for our players and their development, and I certainly think he can contribute in a very positive way.
O’Brien was back in Tuscaloosa on Wednesday, according to BamaOnLine editor Tim Watts, having also spent time at the Crimson Tide facilities ahead of the PSC national championship game. O’Brien was fired as the Texans’ head coach and general manager after a 0-4 start to the 2020-21 season. He has spent the past seven seasons coaching Houston.
O’Brien last coached in college as a head coach at Penn State in 2012-13. He took on the task of replacing Joe Paterno at Happy Valley after the Jerry Sandusky scandal. O’Brien led the Nittany Lions to a 15-9 record before moving on to coach the Texans in the NFL.
In addition to Penn State, O’Brien has experience as a college level coordinator at both Georgia Tech (2001-02) and Duke (2005-06). He was also an offensive position coach at Georgia Tech, Md. (2003-04) and his college alma mater, Brown (1993-94).
Alabama did not officially announce a hiring on Wednesday afternoon.
“We always let you know about these things when they happen,” Saban said Tuesday. “I can’t make any predictions about our staff. I think we have a great staff. I love the chemistry of our staff. We are happy for Sark. I don’t know what other opportunities will be available for our coaches. We’ll just have to wait and see. I cannot answer that. It’s an ongoing process for us to find the right offensive coordinator. We are certainly in the process of doing so.
Did you know BOL has a podcast? The Built By BamaOnLine podcast brings you the latest news from Alabama and information from Travis Reier, Charlie Potter, Hank South and Tim Watts. Watch the latest episode here or subscribe on iTunes today!
Contact Charlie Potter by personal message or on Twitter (@Charlie_Potter).
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