Bill O’Brien is reportedly leaving Alabama to become the next offensive coordinator of the New England Patriots.

ESPN’s Adam Schefter reported that news on Tuesday morning. O’Brien previously served on Bill Belichick’s staff in New England and was the team’s OC in 2011.

Alabama will be replacing both of its coordinators this offseason. Defensive coordinator Pete Golding left Alabama’s staff earlier this offseason to take the same role at Ole Miss.

While O’Brien does have experience as an OC, Alabama fans had grown frustrated with his offense over the past couple of seasons. The Crimson Tide ranked just 8th and 16th nationally in yards-per-play in 2022 and 2021, respectively. They ranked in the top 3 in the country in that category from 2018-2020.

Alabama will have the chance to largely rebuild its offense from scratch in 2023. With O’Brien and quarterback Bryce Young departing for the NFL, it gives Alabama a clean slate heading into next season.

Here’s some of the reaction from fans and media to O’Brien’s departure: