Bill O’Brien is on his way to Columbus as the next offensive coordinator for the Ohio State Buckeyes, whether fans like it or not.
Now the question is, how will the offense change in 2024?
Regardless of the national narrative around the transfer, Buckeyes everywhere must accept the transition. It’s necessary following three consecutive losses to Michigan in what could have been unblemished seasons.
Another setback, and Ryan Day may be headed for the unemployment line. Even with four seasons of 10 or more wins and three College Football Playoff appearances, how many coaches can withstand a four-game losing streak to the Maize and Blue?
O’Brien may be the target of ridicule after leading the New England Patriots attack to a league-low 13.9 points per game in 2023. However, in college, his track record speaks for itself.
The Buckeyes have to be bold in what appears to be a must-win season. O’Brien checks most of the criteria and has almost three decades of experience coaching at both the collegiate and NFL levels.
During O’Brien’s time at Alabama, the Crimson Tide’s offense ranked in the top ten in scoring and included Bryce Young, who won the Heisman Trophy. Alabama advanced to the 2021 playoffs, defeating Cincinnati on the way to another national championship.
In Houston, O’Brien led the Texans to four AFC South titles in six seasons. Deshaun Watson developed into a Pro Bowl-caliber passer under his leadership, and the club finished in the top 15 in total offense and scoring three times.
If that wasn’t enough, O’Brien served as both the Patriots’ quarterback coach and offensive coordinator during some of Tom Brady’s most productive statistical seasons. Before joining Penn State, O’Brien was the primary play-caller for Brady and the offense, helping them return to the Super Bowl in 2012.
Quarterbacks frequently prioritize completion percentage and moving the sticks over deep shots downfield. For O’Brien’s idea, it’s all about “the next play” mentality: keep the ball moving and out of the opponents’ hands.
The strategy worked well for Young, Watson, and Brady, who won numerous games as a result. The rushing assault was balanced but not overwhelming, and receivers slipped through the holes to finish with 1,000-yard seasons.
Yes, O’Brien had a plethora of 1,000-yard playmakers on his squad. Do you recognize Randy Moss, DeAndre Hopkins, or Jameson Williams?
All had record-breaking seasons with O’Brien’s offense.
The Buckeyes return eight offensive starters, including receiver Emeka Egbuka, running back TreyVeon Henderson, and offensive guard Donovan Jackson. They added No. 1 recruit Jeremiah Smith to their top-three class and brought in Kansas State’s Will Howard and Ole Miss’ Quinshon Judkins via the transfer portal.
Bottom line: Day and Co.’s excuses are finished. Ohio State understands that with a glut of prospects opting out of the draft to remain for another year, further pressure is added to the already high expectations.
Every year feels like Ohio State is “all-in,” but it must be 2024. One does not add a guy like Caleb Downs from Alabama to pair with two outstanding safeties and finish 11-2 with an early exit from the 12-team College Football Playoff.
With O’Brien, perhaps this will not be the case.
Expect the offense to fall under his supervision. Day, on the other hand, will most likely take on the everyday duties of a CEO, allowing his coordinators to run the show on the headset while he focuses on future development.
With O’Brien calling the plays, anticipate a professional approach. That doesn’t mean tempos, personnel, or other formations won’t be added, but O’Brien keeps things close to the vest and has a distinct offensive style.
Keep in mind that O’Brien was paddling upstream using styrofoam paddles in New England. He also had receivers with styrofoam hands and a quarterback who was already one step out the door. While Bills’ marriage had previously worked, that did not guarantee that it would work again.
O’Brien’s experience in New England does not necessarily parallel his stint with the Buckeyes.
There are firearms in Columbus. Countless, to say the least. And say what you will about the Mac Jones experiment under your breath, but most quarterbacks in O’Brien’s system benefit from working with him.
Will everything work? Who is to say? However, transitioning to 2024 required modification. Day is running out of reasons, and Buckeyes supporters across the country are losing patience.
O’Brien may be responsible for Day’s dismissal, or he may be the reason a title returns to the Woody Hayes Center next fall.
There is virtually no middle ground here. Just because there is no middle ground in how his offensive operates. Add the correct parts and watch them come together.
The necessary components are at his disposal. O’Brien must put them in the precise order.
