As he addressed an overflow audience on the second floor of the Yawkey Athletic Center Thursday, new Boston College head football coach Bill O’Brien spoke like a man fulfilling a lifelong vision.
O’Brien, who grew up in Andover and attended St. John’s Prep, was “a secret Boston College fan” even as he played at Brown. When he graduated in 1992, his parents asked if he was sure he wanted to enter coaching after they had just spent so much money on his education.
He advised them to trust him, insisting that it would work out. O’Brien made many meaningful stops along the way, including with the Patriots, Penn State, the Houston Texans, Alabama, and the Patriots again. Now, he’s back where his football fandom skyrocketed as a youth, eager to energize a program eager to return to its glory days.
“I always dreamed about being the head coach at Boston College,” O’Brien said. “My career has taken some twists and turns, and taken me down roads I never could have imagined, but as I stand here today, I couldn’t be more grateful that the road has finally taken me to Boston College.”
O’Brien’s wife, Colleen, graduated from BC in 1992. One of his sons, Michael, plays baseball at Tufts. His other son, Jack, has lissencephaly, is non-verbal, and benefits immensely from living near some of the best hospitals in the world. O’Brien’s parents and in-laws are in the area. Several other extended family members have attended the school.
As much as his news conference felt like the signaling of a new era, it also resembled a homecoming for someone who values the community deeply.
“It was definitely a no-brainer to me,” O’Brien said.
O’Brien said his phone blew up the night that former BC coach Jeff Hafley accepted the Green Bay Packers defensive coordinator job. He and Colleen were in Columbus, Ohio, looking for a house as he acclimated himself to the Ohio State offensive coordinator gig he had just accepted. Suddenly their plans changed.
He interviewed first over the phone, then in person in front of six people, then spoke with BC president Rev. William P. Leahy. Director of athletics Blake James had spearheaded a national search, but one candidate consistently stood out.
James said many people reached out and told him O’Brien should be on his list. As the buzz built, and the department whittled that list from 10-plus candidates to one, James knew BC had found its next leader.
“The players gave us the input that they wanted a winner,” James said. “They wanted someone who’s passionate. They wanted a motivator.”
James made a point to praise O’Brien’s predecessor, noting that “no one loved BC more than Jeff Hafley.” He doesn’t believe Hafley was looking at other options until the Packers gig came around. Once it did, and Hafley decided it was best for his family, James supported him fully — even as a Minnesota Vikings fan.
O’Brien called it an “overwhelming day” and expressed his appreciation for all parties, including Bill Belichick and the Patriots. He said former BC standouts from Matt Ryan to Matt Hasselbeck reached out and expressed their excitement about the potential partnership.
When BC offered the job, he didn’t have to think long.
“I just think this is a great fit for my family and me,” he said.
One of the most significant components of taking the job for O’Brien is getting Jack, 21, the best possible care. Jack was born with a brain malformation; doctors expected him to live to age 2 or 3, but he has defied those expectations.
He made major strides, but at 16, he got pneumonia and spent four months in the ICU.
“A lot of things really went sideways,” Colleen O’Brien said. “He kind of came out a different kid after that. He changed a lot, and he’s required a lot more care since then.”
Jack requires intensive therapy, so having his family nearby is crucial.
Colleen said Bill and Jack have a special bond. Bill makes Jack laugh like no other, and Jack has taught Bill to slow down and appreciate the little things.
“No one makes Jack light up like Bill does,” Colleen said. “As soon as he hears Bill’s voice, he starts smiling and laughing. I could be around him all day, and I won’t get a smile or a peep. As soon as Bill walks in, he’s lighting up.”
O’Brien is often teased about his temper — Colleen thinks unfairly so — but none of that surfaces around Jack. That’s his guy, and she believes there’s truth to the notion that Jack has persevered with his family in mind.
Michael echoed his mother’s thoughts and said Jack puts everything into perspective.
“Jack is the most inspirational human being I’ve ever been around in my life,” Michael said. “He’s the toughest person I’ve ever met. He’s a fighter. He’s the best brother in the world.”
Trevor Hass can be reached at [email protected].
