Bill O’Brien is rumored to be “primary target” for the Patriots’ offensive coordinator position. But, is there a chance he turns down New England to stay at the University of Alabama?

Greg Bedard, Owner and Columnist at Boston Sports Journal, joins Toucher & Rich to share his thoughts on the Patriots’ offensive coordinator search.

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  INDIANAPOLIS, INDIANA – JANUARY 10: Alabama Crimson Tide Offensive Coordinator Bill O’Brien looks on prior to a game against the Georgia Bulldogs in the 2022 CFP National Championship Game at Lucas Oil Stadium on January 10, 2022 in Indianapolis, Indiana. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images)

• Fred Toucher: So, when is Bill O’Brien going to be announced as offensive coordinator for [the Patriots]?

  Greg Bedard: Your guess is as good as mine. I’m not sure Bill O’Brien knows yet. So, I think there’s a lot of work for the Patriots to do. Or else, Bill Belichick is back on his subterfuge A-game. From everyone I’ve talked to, nothing is imminent.

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  TUSCALOOSA, ALABAMA – OCTOBER 08: Offensive coordinator Bill O’Brien converses with Bryce Young #9 of the Alabama Crimson Tide during pregame warmups prior to facing the Texas A&M Aggies at Bryant-Denny Stadium on October 08, 2022 in Tuscaloosa, Alabama. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images)

• Rich Shertenlieb: Bill O’Brien is trying to recruit for Nick Saban, and he’s doing some scouting. Why are [the Patriots] dragging their feet if they know this is the guy that they want? 

  Greg Bedard: I was surprised as anybody that not only is [O’Brien] still the Alabama offensive coordinator, but he is out recruiting. That was shocking to me.

  I’ve covered Nick Saban. I’ve covered Bill O’Brien. [Saban] is readily letting somebody out onto the recruiting trail—if that is, in fact, what’s happening. He is going face-to-face with recruits and telling them how great Alabama is and what they’re going to do with their offense. And, they don’t recruit like JUCO guys. We’re talking about the best players in the country. [Saban’s] just letting [Alabama players] know that [O’Brien] is going to be gone in a week? I find that hard to believe. I don’t know what to make of that.

  My instinct is to proceed like [O’Brien] is returning to Alabama. But that doesn’t mean that’s going to happen … These guys are so weird. You know, Rich, Bill [Belichick] doesn’t do anything before it’s time. This is how we got into the McDaniels mess. Saban is the same way. Bill O’Brien is not going to piss off either of those two guys. He’s a loyal soldier, so there could be a lot of bad telephone going on. 

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  New offensive coordinator Bill O’Brien watches quarterback Bryce Young throw during practice. The Alabama Crimson Tide opened practice for the 2021 season as they prepare to defend the 2020 National Championship Friday, Aug. 6, 2021. [Staff Photo/Gary Cosby Jr.]
  Alabama First Practice

• Ryan Beaton is a Producer and Contributor for 985thesportshub.com. You can follow Ryan at @ry_beaton on Twitter.

  Follow @Toucherandrich on Twitter, @Toucherandrichofficial and @fredtoucher on Instagram to keep up with the show!

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