The Houston Texans don’t have a coach. However, someone who once held that job does have a new position.
Nick Saban announced Thursday that Bill O’Brien is the offensive coordinator at the University of Alabama. O’Brien replaces Steve Sarkisian, who took the head coaching job at the University of Texas.
O’Brien was fired in the 2020 NFL regular season after an 0-4 start.
Overall, O’Brien compiled a 52-48 (.520) record with four AFC South titles, four playoff appearances, and two appearances in the AFC Divisional Round with the Texans.
“We are pleased and happy to be able to add Bill O’Brien to our coaching staff,” Saban said. “He has a wealth of experience as both an offensive coordinator and head coach in the NFL and college. Bill is one of the brightest offensive minds in football, an outstanding teacher and excellent recruiter. He will strengthen our coaching staff and give our players the best possible chance to be successful.”
O’Brien, who also was a head coach at Penn State, was thrilled.
“I am honored and excited to join Coach Saban’s staff at The University of Alabama,” O’Brien said. “I have an incredible amount of admiration for the rich football tradition at this University and the success Coach Saban has had during his time in Tuscaloosa. I’m looking forward to the opportunity to work with some of the best football players in the country while helping to continue the success this program has enjoyed for many years.”
He spent two years leading the Nittany Lions, posting a 15-9 overall record and a 10-6 mark in the Big Ten.
It has been reported another former AFC South head coach is headed for the Crimson Tide. Former Jacksonville Jaguars head coach Doug Marrone is reported to be in line for the offensive line coach job in Tuscaloosa.
