The Patriots surprised many with a transparent statement on Thursday that mapped out a plan to interview “offensive coordinator candidates beginning next week”.
But the reported top target for Bill Belichick and New England should not come as much of a shock.
According to Tom E. Curran of NBC Sports Boston, Bill O’Brien is New England’s “primary target” in its search for a new offensive coordinator.
O’Brien, who has served as the University of Alabama’s offensive coordinator for the past two seasons, has plenty of experience with Belichick and the Patriots. From 2007-11, O’Brien served on New England’s coaching staff, including one season as offensive coordinator before moving on to coach Penn State from 2012-13.