As the Patriots’ OC search continues, Bill O’Brien is still working his current job

Wednesday saw a major update in the Patriots’ search for an offensive coordinator search. Reports revealed the team plans to interview current tight ends coach Nick Caley and has requested to interview Minnesota Vikings wide receivers coach Keenan McCardell.

Not among those to be confirmed to be interviewing was Bill O’Brien. In his initial tweet reporting the McCardell signing Wednesday morning, NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport confirmed that O’Brien is included on “a growing list of candidates” for the job, but didn’t clarify whether or not he has interviewed.

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• Appearing on NFL Network later in the day, Rapoport had a further update on O’Brien, who is currently the offensive coordinator at Alabama.

  “Bill O’Brien is surely a prime candidate here,” Rapoport explained discussing the Patriots’ OC opening. “Most people believe he is the favorite, I would say, to get the offensive coordinator job – not that anything is done at all. I’m just saying he has firmly established position as someone that many people inside the organization want back.”

  “Currently, [he is] the Alabama offensive coordinator who is right now out recruiting,” Rapoport added.

• From NFL Now: The #Patriots currently have three OC candidates. pic.twitter.com/FGJuWJZqUt

  — Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) January 18, 2023

• It may come as a surprise for some Patriots fans to hear O’Brien is still out recruiting, but he is still technically under contract with the University of Alabama through Feb. 28.

  As for what to make of the fact he’s still working for Nick Saban, it’s tough to say. On one hand, sending a known outgoing coach on recruiting trips seems counterproductive. On the other hand, he is still an employee and recruiting is an ‘all hands on deck’ activity in the era on NIL, especially in the SEC.

  Either way, it does seem like O’Brien remains the favorite to be the Patriots’ hire. Between Rapoport’s report and Tom Curran’s report earlier this week about O’Brien being the ‘primary target,’ it sounds like he’s still seriously being considered inside the building even as others come in for interviews.

• Alex Barth is a writer and digital producer for 985TheSportsHub.com. Any opinions expressed do not necessarily reflect those of 98.5 The Sports Hub, Beasley Media Group, or any subsidiaries. Thoughts? Comments? Questions? Looking for a podcast guest? Let him know on Twitter @RealAlexBarth or via email at abarth@985TheSportsHub.com.