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Buckeyes Hire Penn State-Ex Bill O'Brien

Originally posted on FanNation Buckeyes Now
By Harrison Reno | Last updated 1/18/24

The Ohio State Buckeyes offense could look different in 2024; as per a report from ESPN's Pete Thamel, former Penn State coach Bill O'Brien has been named the new offensive coordinator.

O'Brien, 54, joins the Buckeyes after leaving the college ranks last offseason to return to the New England Patriots for his second stint as their play-caller. O'Brien will also be in charge of the quarterback room as he replaces Corey Dennis on the staff, per Bill Rabinowitz of the Columbus Dispatch.

O'Brien's hiring is just the latest shakeup to the staff, as coach Ryan Day will reportedly hand over play-calling duties.

"The move comes with a potential shift within the OSU program, as coach Ryan Day has spent part of this off-season exploring bringing in an experienced coordinator that would allow him to give up play calling duties," Thamel writes.

Following a disastrous season for the Patriots, where a 4-13 season saw them "mutually part ways" with legendary coach Bill Belichick after a 24-year tenure, the door opened for O'Brien to return to the college ranks.

Before O'Brien's return to Foxboro, he spent two seasons in Tuscaloosa, replacing then-newly named Texas coach Steve Sarkisian as the Alabama Crimson Tide's offensive coordinator.

Despite the Crimson Tide never being able to capture a national title in O'Brien's time as their play-caller, it wasn't his offense's fault. Under the direction of the former Nittany Lion coach, Alabama's offense was a top-10 scoring offense each season, averaging 39.9 and 41.1 points per game, respectively.

Not only did the Tide put up points under the now-new Buckeyes coach, but O'Brien developed NFL talent, including a Heisman-winning and No. 1 overall pick, in quarterback Bryce Young.

O'Brien will hope to help the Buckeyes make good on their national title aspirations after falling short in recent years.