Boston College coach Bill O’Brien gave some insight into what New England Patriots offensive line coach Doug Marrone can bring to the table.
Marrone, who is a former head coach for the Jacksonville Jaguars, worked with O’Brien last season as a senior analyst for football strategy/research. He also worked with O’Brien as an offensive line coach at Alabama in the 2021 season.
It’s safe to say O’Brien has great insight into Marrone as a coach.
“[Marrone’s] very technical, very knowledgeable,” O’Brien said on “The Bill O’Brien Podcast,” as transcribed by ESPN’s Mike Reiss. “He’ll understand that system. He worked for Sean Payton in a similar type of system. He does a great job developing players; he’s a hard-nosed guy.”
The offensive line has been a major area of weakness for the Patriots. They need to improve both in player personnel and development. The development aspect will fall on the shoulders of Marrone and the rest of the coaching staff.
His familiarity with the system could aid in things coming together quickly. The unit gave up 52 sacks last season, and it will take some great coaching to get that number down in 2025.