Bill O’Brien and Brian Flores have emerged as potential candidates for the head coaching position at Boston College football. The departure of Jeff Hafley has left the program in need of a new leader, and the search is on as we enter the month of February.
The college football coaching carousel can be unpredictable, and Hafley’s decision to leave for a coordinator role with the Green Bay Packers is no exception. It’s a surprising move to transition from a head coach in a Power Five conference to a coordinator position in the NFL, but it reflects the changing landscape of the game.
With the vacancy at Boston College, several names have been thrown into the mix as potential replacements. Two notable candidates are Bill O’Brien and Brian Flores, according to Bruce Feldman of The Athletic. O’Brien, who recently became the offensive coordinator at Ohio State, has expressed a desire to return to a head coaching role. Feldman describes him as a “wild card option” with ties to Boston and previous flirtations with the BC job. O’Brien’s success at Penn State and subsequent move to the NFL make him an intriguing candidate, despite the timing of his new position at Ohio State.
Flores, a former player at Boston College, could also be enticed by the opportunity to return as head coach. Feldman acknowledges that both O’Brien and Flores present some uncertainty but believes it’s worth exploring their interest in the position.
Finding a new head coach late in the offseason poses a significant challenge for Boston College. However, the program’s recent success, with three bowl game appearances in the last four seasons, could attract a coach looking to revitalize their career. Both O’Brien and Flores fit this profile, making them intriguing options for the job.
As the search continues, Boston College hopes to secure a coach who can build upon the program’s recent achievements and lead them to further success.