Boston College reportedly nearing deal with former Big Ten, NFL head coach

Boston College is reportedly in the process of nearing a deal to land current Ohio State offensive coordinator Bill O’Brien.

According to Rich Thompson with the Boston Herald, O’Brien is in advanced talks to become the new head coach at Boston College. Thompson’s report cites the two sides are down to discussing “minor details” but noted O’Brien would not come cheap with a lot of incentives included.

O’Brien — a native of Boston — grew up in Massachusetts and played high school football for St. John’s Prep in the state. He played collegiately at Brown University in Providence, Rhode Island where he also began his coaching career.

O’Brien also spent extended time in Massachusetts as a key assistant for the New England Patriots. His time as a head coach includes Penn State and the Houston Texans.

Impact on Ohio State

There’s no denying the blow O’Brien’s abrupt about-face would have on Ohio State. He was brought to the Buckeyes to serve as OC and quarterbacks coach for the program, and his stature as a prominent coaching veteran was designed to help take a lot of the offensive stress off Ryan Day’s plate.

If O’Brien does leave Columbus, it will leave Day left to scramble for a key assistant late in the coaching cycle with spring practices right around the corner.