Late last week, the Patriots confirmed they’ll be looking for a new offensive coordinator after the team’s shortcomings on that side of the ball during the 2022 season. Interviews for the position are expected to begin this week.

So far, no official interview requests from the Patriots have been reported. However, Monday afternoon may have offered a major hint as to where the Patriots are looking.

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• According to Tom Curran of NBC Sports Boston, outgoing Alabama offensive coordinator Bill O’Brien is “the primary target” of the search. O’Brien has been viewed as a logical candidate for the job since the offensive struggles became clear during the season.

  “There is unanimity on all sides that O’Brien’s the best person for the job,” Curran writes. “While there are other candidates with merit — the familiarity ownership and Mac Jones have with O’Brien and O’Brien’s willingness to return mean it would be an upset if he doesn’t get the job.”

  Before he was at Alabama, and prior to head coaching stints at Penn State and with the Houston Texans, O’Brien spent five seasons as an offensive assistant with the Patriots, including three as the offensive play-caller from 2009-2011 (although he only got the offensive coordinator title in 2011).

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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)

• In addition to his familiarity with the Patriots, O’Brien has a level of familiarity with quarterback Mac Jones that could help elevate the offense. O’Brien – who grew  up in Andover, Mass. – and Jones worked together in the spring of 2021, as the departing Jones taught O’Brien the Alabama offensive system to prepare him for his first year as the OC in Tuscaloosa.

  Given O’Brien’s understanding of the Patriots’ traditional offense and the offense Jones ran at Alabama, he’s an unique position to build a system that maximizes the 2021 first-round pick.

  As for the rest of the offensive coaching picture, that will all need to be sported out as well. Curran points out the need to re-assign both Matt Patricia and Joe Judge. Those moves could come later though, as whoever the new OC is will likely want to have a say into how is staff is constructed and who is involved.

• 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.

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