Sources - Boston College to hire Bill O'Brien as head coach - ESPN

Boston College is working toward a deal to hire Bill O'Brien as the school's next head coach, sources told ESPN, giving the Massachusetts native a homecoming and the Eagles a hire with both extensive NFL experience and strong local ties.

O'Brien, who took the Ohio State offensive coordinator job last month, interviewed in person Thursday, the final step in Boston College's process. He was one of three candidates to travel to Massachusetts for interviews Thursday, and a deal and formal announcement are both expected soon.

O'Brien, 54, is the former head coach of both Penn State and the Houston Texans, and he is best known locally around Boston for his stints with the New England Patriots. He coached there from 2007 to 2011 and again in 2023 as the offensive coordinator and quarterbacks coach.

O'Brien brings extensive ties to the area, as he grew up locally in Andover. One of his sons, Michael, plays college baseball at nearby Tufts. His family had planned to stay in the greater Boston area while he worked in Columbus, according to sources, and this opportunity allows him to be near his family more.

O'Brien's wife, Colleen, is a Boston College graduate. It's one of many ties to the school and area, as he graduated high school from St. John's Prep in Danvers and played football at nearby Brown University. O'Brien started his coaching career at Brown.

He takes over for Jeff Hafley, who left last week to become the defensive coordinator of the Green Bay Packers. Boston College went 7-6 in 2023 with a win over No. 24 SMU in the Fenway Bowl.

O'Brien brings a strong reputation as a quarterback tutor, as he has worked with Bryce Young (as Alabama's offensive coordinator), Tom Brady and Deshaun Watson during some of their best