BORN: October 23, 1969.
ALMA MATER: Brown (1992).
PLAYING CAREER: Linebacker and defensive end (1990-92).
COACHING CAREER: Tight Ends, Brown, 1993; Inside Linebackers, Brown, 1994; Offensive Graduate Assistant, Georgia Tech, 1995-97; Running Backs, Georgia Tech, 1998-2000; Offensive Coordinator, Georgia Tech, 2001; Assistant Head Coach and Offensive Coordinator, Georgia Tech, 2002; Running Backs, Maryland, 2003-04; Offensive Coordinator and Quarterbacks Coach, Duke, 2005-6; Coaching Assistant, New England Patriots, 2007; Wide Receivers, New England Patriots, 2008; Quarterbacks Coach, New England Patriots, 2009-10; Offensive Coordinator and Quarterbacks Coach, New England Patriots, 2011; Head Coach, Penn State, 2011.
OVERALL RECORD: No previous head-coaching experience.
ASSISTED UNDER: George O’Leary (Georgia Tech); Ralph Friedgen (Maryland); Bill Belichick (New England Patriots).
HIGHLIGHTS: Georgia Tech running game finished no lower than third in Atlantic Coach Conference in three seasons as the position coach for the Yellow Jackets. Georgia Tech led the ACC in passing and finished third in scoring in 2001. Under O’Brien’s tutelage, Patriots quarterback Tom Brady became the first unanimous Associated Press MVP in 2010. This season, the Patriots are second in the NFL in total offense (428 yards per game) and passing (317.8 yards); and tops in the AFC in scoring (32.1 points).
QUOTEBOOK: “I cannot tell you how excited I am to get started, meet the team, meet the football alumni and meet all of the people that make this university so special. As head coach of this special football program, it is my responsibility to ensure that this program represents the highest level of character, respect and integrity in everything we do.” _ O’Brien.
WHAT THEY’RE SAYING: “I expect Bill to draw on his deep background in college football and the NFL to continue attracting and developing top players. For five years, Bill’s outstanding work with our quarterbacks and entire offense has led to record-setting performances. His presence and command before our team has grown into that of an inspirational leader. This is a great match between a storied program and an old-school football coach. Bill will be up to the task and I couldn’t be happier for him.” _ Belichick.
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