Nick Saban evaluates impact new OC Bill O’Brien has had so far
By Keith Farner
Published:
Nick Saban has seen enough of new offensive coordinator Bill O’Brien at practice and in meetings to form an opinion of him during his time at Alabama.
Saban said that O’Brien is a good teacher, and when you’re a good coach, you’re a good coach all the time.
Saban was asked how to incorporate someone who has been a head coach into the Alabama program.
O’Brien arrives in Tuscaloosa after six-plus years as the head coach of the NFL’s Houston Texans where he compiled a 52-48 (.520) record with four AFC South titles, four playoff appearances and two appearances in the AFC Divisional Round.
The Texans ranked in the top 10 in the league in rushing yards, while quarterback Deshaun Watson threw for 4,165 yards in 2018 and 3,852 yards in 2019.
“Whether we’re in camp playing with 7th and 8th grade kids at quarterback or defensive back, and you’re trying to coach those guys to be better just like our own players,” Saban said. “I see that in everything he’s done since he’s been here. I think the players have responded well to the coaches on offense, and I think there’s nothing but positives. Now, we haven’t been through a game yet together, and I think there’s always are sort of a work in progress as you go as they find out what your expectation is and how they respond to it. But so far, they’ve responded in a positive way to each and everything we’ve asked them to do.”
A former newspaper veteran, Keith Farner is a news manager for Saturday Down South.
