The New England Patriots have lost a bunch of quality coaches over the last several years, and offensive coordinator Josh McDaniels could be the latest if he takes the Las Vegas Raiders' open head coach job.
NFL Media's Ian Rapoport reported Thursday that the Raiders have requested to interview McDaniels, and it could happen as early as Friday.
If McDaniels does take the Raiders job -- or another position -- this offseason, who could the Patriots target to replace him as offensive coordinator?
Stay in the game with the latest updates on your beloved Boston sports teams! Sign up here for our All Access Daily newsletter.
ESPN's Adam Schefter mentioned Bill O'Brien as one possibility:
O'Brien wouldn't be a bad choice in the event the Patriots need an OC. He spent four-plus years in New England, starting as an offensive assistant in 2007 and working his way up to offensive coordinator for the 2011 campaign. O'Brien understands how the Patriots operate.
Perry: Joe Burrow's trajectory offers hope of what Jones can become
He left the Patriots in February of 2012 to become head coach at Penn State. O'Brien became head coach of the Houston Texans in 2014 and was fired after an 0-4 start to the 2020 season.
He served as the offensive coordinator at Alabama during the 2021 college football season. So, he was not in Tuscaloosa when Patriots quarterback Mac Jones played for the Crimson Tide, but Jones did reportedly help teach O'Brien the offense.
O'Brien did a good job overall as offensive coordinator in New England. He'd be an excellent candidate if McDaniels leaves for a head coach job before next season.