Patriots OC set to return to college roots in 2024

The search for an offensive coordinator will officially begin in New England. 

ESPN's Pete Thamel reports that Ohio State is reportedly hiring Bill O'Brien as the school's new offensive coordinator. 

He leaves New England after only one season back as offensive coordinator. And now he's headed back to college. 

O'Brien's job was the topic of discussion in the past week after Bill Belichick and the Patriots mutually parted ways and the organization decided to bring in Jerod Mayo to be the 15th head coach. 

And because of the offense's struggles last season, many people thought it was already time for a change. 

O'Brien has a lot of coaching experience, both at the collegiate and professional level. 

Prior to joining the Patriots staff in 2023, he served as the offensive coordinator and quarterbacks coach at Alabama for two season, working directly with Nick Saban. He also was the head coach at Penn State for two seasons, starting in 2012. 

This is a solid opportunity for O'Brien, who gets to go back to his roots. And it provides Jerod Mayo with the opportunity to completely redo his coaching staff and bring in new people. Or even bring back someone from the past (i.e. Josh McDaniels). 

Now that this is cleared up, it's time for Mayo to set up some interviews.