Topics

More

News

Bill O’Brien: From Brown to Beaver Stadium

By Drew Balis
1/7/12 7:30 am

Thursday evening, ESPN reporter Chris Mortensen reported that New England Patriots offensive coordinator Bill O’Brien had reached an agreement with Penn State to be Joe Paterno’s successor. Twenty-four hours later, after arriving in State College, Penn State official confirmed the report and will introduce O’Brien as the 15th head coach in school history during a press conference today.

O’Brien remains a relative unknown, but below shows his previous stops prior to arriving in Happy Valley along with a few thoughts:

  • 1969: Born in Dorchester, Massachusetts on October 23. He is now 42 years old.
  • 1990- 1992: Played defensive end and linebacker at Brown university
  • 1993-1994: Tight and and linebackers coach at Brown
  • 1995-2002: Assistant at Georgia Tech, offensive coordinator during final two seasons
  • 2003-2004: Running backs coach at Maryland
  • 2005-2006: Offensive coordinator at Duke
  • 2007-2011: Various offensive positions with the Patriots including receivers coach, quarterbacks coach, and, most recently, offensive coordinator
This would not be an Onward State post without a little bit of opinion. One can make a case that there are several red flags associated with this hire. O’Brien has no head coach experience at any level, and his collegiate offenses were underwhelming ranking 34th and 57th in the nation (out of 120) in his two years at Georgia Tech and 116th and 105th at Duke. The two Duke teams he oversaw finished a combined 1-22. On the other hand, O’Brien can boast about overseeing an explosive Patriots offense, even if it does lead to the occasional argument. Several of his former players and coaches have nothing but good things to say about him.
Overall I am very skeptical and believe Penn State could have done better, but O’Brien was brave enough to take this job under very tough circumstances and deserves support. His team will not take the field for close to eight months, but the Bill O’Brien era at Penn State is underway.
What will his biography say in ten years?

Your ad blocker is on.

Please choose an option below.

Sign up for our e-mail newsletter:
OR
Support quality journalism:
Purchase a Subscription!
Already receiving enough emails?

About the Author

Drew Balis

Drew is a senior marketing major. This fall, he will be covering Penn State Football for Onward State. He is a huge Philadelphia sports fan and loves THON and Domonic Brown.

[Photo Story] Cody Johnson Brings ‘The Leather Tour’ To Bryce Jordan Center

Johnson and both opening acts had the audience engaged throughout the night.

Penn State Football Tight End Tradition Continues With Tyler Warren

Warren is the latest of a lengthy string of successful tight ends at Penn State, and he likely isn’t the last.

‘We’ve Got To Take A Look In The Mirror’: Penn State Men’s Hockey Early Game Woes Overshadow Strong Play

The team fell flat out of the gates this weekend, giving up five combined goals in the first 10 minutes of each game.

113kFollowers
164kFollowers
62.7kFollowers
4,570Subscribers
Sign up for our Newsletter
Other posts by Drew

McGloin Named NFL Rookie of the Week

The former Penn State record setting quarterback took home Pepsi Rookie of the Week honors following his impressive first NFL start that resulted in a 28-23 win for the Oakland Raiders on the road against the Houston Texans.

Will Adrian Amos Play Some Snaps at Linebacker?

Willis and Carson Talk Differences Between Butler and Roof

113kFollowers
164kFollowers
62.7kFollowers
4,570Subscribers

©  2008 - 2024 Onward State