It had been rumored and reported that former Houston Texans and Penn State head coach Bill O’Brien was going to be Alabama’s new offensive coordinator, replacing Steve Sarkisian after he left for Texas.

On Thursday evening, the Tide made the hiring official, announcing O’Brien as the new offensive coordinator and QB coach via Twitter:

https://twitter.com/AlabamaFTBL/status/1352398267968090114

In a statement in the press release, coach Nick Saban said he’s happy to have a coach with as much experience as O’Brien on his staff:

“We are pleased and happy to be able to add Bill O’Brien to our coaching staff,” Saban said. “He has a wealth of experience as both an offensive coordinator and head coach in the NFL and college. Bill is one of the brightest offensive minds in football, an outstanding teacher and excellent recruiter. He will strengthen our coaching staff and give our players the best possible chance to be successful.”

O’Brien said he’s excited for the challenge of trying to continue the success Alabama has had on offense lately:

“I am honored and excited to join Coach Saban’s staff at The University of Alabama,” O’Brien said. “I have an incredible amount of admiration for the rich football tradition at this University and the success Coach Saban has had during his time in Tuscaloosa. I’m looking forward to the opportunity to work with some of the best football players in the country, while helping to continue the success this program has enjoyed for many years.”

How will O’Brien fare working with Bryce Young as his (likely) starting QB in 2021? We’ll get a glimpse of what his offense looks like this spring.