Bruce McLaren
Bill O’Brien giving advice to Boston College quarterback Thomas Castellanos.
Boston College football underwent a major change last year when Jeff Hafley left his role as head coach to become the defensive coordinator for the Green Bay Packers. Due to this, BC hired Bill O’Brien, the former New England Patriots offensive coordinator, as its head coach. Since then, a clear culture change has occurred at BC, as seen in the product on the field and in media attention.
Firstly, statistics show a huge change in discipline from the team through the first half of the season. They are 4-2 at the time of writing this, an improvement from 3-3 last year. They are also 9th in the nation for the least penalties per game, a major improvement from being 86th last year. This shows a change in discipline, which is a direct reflection of the coaching staff. In addition, the quarterback, Thomas Castellanos, has been much more focused on his passing game compared to simply being a running threat like last year. O’Brien has coached many of the best quarterbacks of all time, like Tom Brady, and Castellanos’ change in style reflects O’Brien’s experience in improving players.
In addition, a major difference in the team is the mindset that they have before and during games. For example, before the game against Duquesne, a low-tier FBS team, most coaches would warn their teams not to fall victim to an upset. However, O’Brien’s mentality was different. He told stories of teams blowing out underdogs, displaying the killer mentality he has instilled. They ended up winning that game 56-0 in a blowout. He has also instilled the mentality of no excuses. One example came during his press conference after a close loss on the road to a top-10 Missouri team. During the presser, O’Brien made it clear that it is imperative to take advantage of opportunities, and that a close loss was unacceptable. Many coaches, including Jeff Hafley, would have called it a moral victory to have competed in the game, but O’Brien’s mentality is, again, of the killer type and to win no matter what.
Overall, through the change in mentality and discipline, Bill O’Brien’s rapid impact has been seen through statistics and mentality. He constantly seeks to refine the team, despite wins, and realizes that they will learn more from their defeats than triumphs. In addition, media attention has increased due to the likeability of O’Brien. Over time, once more recruits and talents come to BC, this team is going to become a real contender in the ACC, and no longer a team that is overlooked.
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