New Patriots offensive coordinator Bill O’Brien answered several questions today in his first meeting with the local media since being hired in January.
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O’Brien spoke for almost ten minutes and addressed a variety of topics from being back in New England to his assessment of Mac Jones to moving on from last season.
Jones was a popular topic as you can imagine. O’Brien was asked right out of the gate how good he thinks Jones can be and O’Brien stressed a fresh start.
“I think the big thing for us right now is that everyone starts with a clean slate. I think every year is different, this year no different relative to each year, it’s different.” O’Brien continued: “What you did in the past, whether it’s a player or a coach has no baring on what happens moving forward.”
As for the time O’Brien spent with Jones at Alabama, O’Brien said that he did not work with Jones during his time with the Crimson Tide. The two simply crossed paths.
“The time I got hired at Alabama, he was there getting ready for the draft. I basically met him, he talked to me about the generalities of the offense and that was about it. I think this time period here, starting yesterday, this when you get to know all the players.”
When O’Brien was asked if coaching Jones factored into his decision to come back, he said it was more about the Patriots organization and coming home.
“I think the big thing about coming back here was to work for a great organization. A great owner, great head coach. I’m from here, my wife went to Boston College. I’m from the area, I’m familiar with the area. All of that played into our decision to come back as a family.” O’Brien added: “It wasn’t about one person. It was about the whole package so to speak.”
When asked if he is happy to be back in the NFL as opposed to college, O’Brien said he loves both and that he has spent half of his career at the collegiate level.
“I love both. I’m kind of 50/50. I’ve approximately half of my career in college and half in the NFL. I love both. I really enjoy being in the NFL and being around the players.” O’Brien stressed his enjoyment of the process. “I’ve really enjoyed the process, the process of the NFL is something that I have really enjoyed. I’m excited to be back.”
O’Brien was asked if there are any similarities to his first go around with the franchise. O’Brien reminded those assembled that change is a constant in the NFL.
“I think things change every year. This building is different, everything is different. There’s different staff members, that was twelve years ago so this something I am really excited about. Working with this staff and these players.” O’Brien continued: “Every year is new. That’s the way the NFL is set up. If you look at rules of the NFL, free agency, the draft, the salary cap rules. Every year is a new year.”
As far as last season is concerned, O’Brien reiterated that this season is about a clean slate and moving forward.
“We’re all starting with a clean slate, a fresh start and it isn’t about anything that has gone on in the past. It’s more moving forward. That’s our theme, it’s one of our themes on offense. It’s to move forward. That’s what we’re doing.”
If there is anything fans can take away from O’Brien’s first meeting with the media is that he to be back in New England. Despite that, it is all business now. It is about setting a new standard. That process has already begun and will continue into the upcoming season and beyond.