Just one day after being reported as the favorite to land the Patriots’ offensive coordinator job, Bill O’Brien has reportedly met with the team.

According to

The #Patriots have interviewed #Bama OC Bill O'Brien today for their vacant OC job, sources say. He's considered a top candidate.

— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) January 19, 2023" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Ian Rapoport of the NFL Network, O’Brien has officially interviewed for the Pats’ offensive coordinator opening, adding that O’Brien is “considered a top candidate.” There had previously been a lack of O’Brien news as far as interviews anywhere in the NFL, let alone in Foxboro. But apparently, that has officially taken place, and further reports indicate that things could progress quickly.

• 

  May 24, 2022; Santa Ana, California USA; Alabama Crimson Tide offensive coordinator Bill O’Brien speaks during the Mater Dei High Heisman Homecoming ceremony at the Meruelo Athletic Center. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports

• Rapoport cryptically

  The #Patriots aren't done interviewing. But they may be by tomorrow.... https://t.co/PzQjXqrQQi

  — Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) January 19, 2023" target="_blank" rel="noopener">tweeted later on Thursday that the Patriots are not done interviewing OC candidates, “but may be by tomorrow…” Josina Anderson previously reported that Vikings wide receivers coach Keenan McCardell was expected to interview on Thursday, with Cardinals WR coach Shawn Jefferson coming on Friday.

  Now that O’Brien has actually interviewed with the Patriots about the offensive coordinator job, there’s far less mystery as to his status in the search and with Alabama. O’Brien has been doing recruiting work for the Crimson Tide in the meantime, but his contract reportedly expires Feb. 28.

  But any mention of O’Brien as the favorite or a lead candidate for the Patriots’ offensive coordinator job are now more than empty projections. It’s more real now.

• 

  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)

• This is shaping up to be a late-week announcement by the Patriots for offensive coordinator, and perhaps more spots on the coaching staff. It’s possible the Patriots reassign Matt Patricia and Joe Judge, creating coaching openings for quarterbacks and offensive line. We’ll keep you posted on all of that here at 985TheSportsHub.com.

  Click here for complete New England Patriots coverage.

  Matt Dolloff is a writer and podcaster for 985TheSportsHub.com. Any opinions expressed do not necessarily reflect those of 98.5 The Sports Hub, Beasley Media Group, or any subsidiaries. Have a news tip, question, or comment for Matt? Yell at him on Twitter @mattdolloff and follow him on Instagram @realmattdolloff. Check out all of Matt’s content here.