New England Patriots unmoved by Bill O'Brien’s move to Penn State
New England Patriots offensive coordinator Bill O'Brien is to be the coach of the Penn State for sure this time. This news does not come from any source but has been announced by the school itself on Friday Night.
The talks between the Penn State and the offensive coordinator had initiated on Thursday and the final decision was taken this Friday after a deal was signed. However, O'Brien will be staying with the New England Patriots till
the playoffs before heading to his new assignment.
According to another news that recently surfaced, O'Brien has cancelled his would be interview with the Jacksonville Jaguars, on Saturday after his confirmation as the head coach for the Penn State.
The head coach slot in the Penn State had become vacant after coach Joe Paterno was fired in November. Paterno had been sacked for not handling child s*x allegations against a former assistant, Jerry Sandusky appropriately. The
issue had gained a lot of heat in November and drew in strong condemnation from the community that eventually resulted in the trustees taking action against the coach who had spent 46 of his past years with the state.
Talking to the Associated Press, Paterno congratulated O'Brien over his appointment saying he respects his coaching record.
On the other hand, the acquisition of O'Brien by the Penn State under whom the Patriots managed to come out as the top team of AFC East does not have the Patriots worried at all. They seem intent on focusing completely on their
playoffs. O'Brien was no doubt a source of strength for the Patriots and this was recognized by the Patriots coach Bill Belichick. Belichick had said that O'Brien was smart and hard working with a lot of experience who had put the team and the players in a
very good position.
Words from Belichick regarding O'Brien could not be obtained but other Patriot players had quite a lot to say. Backup offensive lineman Nick McDonald was unmoved as he came to practice on the field on Friday.
"It's just another work day. Come to work and do our jobs." He said.
Wide receiver Julian Edelman was the same who wanted to keep his focus on the playoffs instead.
"We're still getting ready for the playoffs so we didn't change anything," he said. "We're going to get back to work here soon and enjoy a couple of days off and rest."
O'Brien had joined the Patriots as an offensive assistant back in 2007. He started off by coaching the receivers in 2008 and landed in as the offensive coordinator this year. He had also been training the quarterbacks including
Tom Brady for two seasons. He also has the experience of coaching at the college level for 14 years, thus making him the appropriate choice for the Penn State.
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