What Makes New Assistant Perfect For Patriots Job? Bill O’Brien Explains

Bill O’Brien has plenty of experience working with Doug Marrone, and the former Patriots coordinator believes the new offensive line coach is a great addition.

During the latest episode of NESN’s “Foxboro Rush” podcast, O’Brien joined NESN’s George Balekji and Travis Thomas and discussed New England’s staff under head coach Mike Vrabel as well as his Boston College Eagles.

The ravest of reviews from O’Brien, though, might have involved Marrone. O’Brien and Marrone have coached together for nearly three decades with stops at Georgia Tech (1995-1999), Alabama and most recently Boston College. Marrone served on O’Brien’s staff at BC in 2024.

“I think he’s a great coach. When I was a younger coach, I learned a lot from Doug,” O’Brien said on “Foxboro Rush” released Monday. “He would spend a lot of time with me and teach me about protections, the run game, how to develop players and things like that. I think over time you’ve seen Doug be able to do that.”

O’Brien lauded Marrone for his ability to evaluate talent, especially along the offensive line. And upon identifying such talent, Marrone has proven the ability to develop and connect with those players, O’Brien said.

“I think Doug will do a hell of a job as the offensive line coach in New England,” O’Brien said. “He’ll do a great job coaching those guys and developing them. That’s the key for that offensive line. If you think back to all the offensive linemen that have played over the years in New England, they’ve all been developed. There was a starting point and they were developed to a certain level, a high level, and that’s what Doug’s able to do too.”

Marrone will oversee the group with arguably the most to prove, though the wide receiver room isn’t far behind. The Patriots have spent 12 draft picks along the offensive line since 2020, but might only have Mike Onwenu to show for it. The jury is still out on incoming sophomores like Caedan Wallace and Layden Robinson.

It’s why finding the right man for the job was one of the most important hires for Vrabel. Nobody’s opinion on the subject is worth more than O’Brien’s given he’s worked with Vrabel, offensive coordinator Josh McDaniels and Marrone.

You can listen to the full interview with O’Brien on YouTube and Spotify.