Report: Bill O’Brien a target for NFL OC opening

Bill O’Brien could be returning to the NFL after spending just one season at Alabama.

Sunday, ESPN’s Adam Schefter reported that the former Penn State and Houston Texans head coach is a target for the Carolina Panthers in the franchise’s search for a new offensive coordinator. O’Brien has spent one season at Alabama as the offensive coordinator and quarterbacks coach.

Former NFL head coach Jay Gruden is also expected to be in the mix.

Carolina’s is expected to target former NFL head coaches Jay Gruden and Bill O’Brien in its search for a new offensive coordinator, per league sources.

Carolina also expected to be interested in talking with Rams’ OC Kevin O'Connell.

— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) January 9, 2022

O’Brien was the head coach of the Texans from 2014 through the early portion of the 2020 season. He posted a 52-48 record and led Houston to 4 playoff appearances in a 6-year stretch. The Texans had just 1 losing season under O’Brien (2017).

Prior to taking over in Houston, O’Brien spent 2 years as the head coach at Penn State. He was 15-9 before leaving for the NFL.

Dustin Schutte

Dustin grew up in the heart of Big Ten country and has been in sports media since 2010. He has been covering Big Ten football since 2014. You can follow him on Twitter: @SchutteCFB