As the new head football coach at Boston College, Bill O’Brien is wasting no time putting his imprint on the Eagles’ program. O’Brien, who officially took the helm on Friday, has swiftly moved to assemble a coaching team that promises to bring a fresh perspective and revitalized strategies to Boston College football.
At the core of O’Brien’s inaugural moves is the appointment of Will Lawing as offensive coordinator and Tim Lewis as defensive coordinator, both of whom bring rich backgrounds and proven track records to their respective roles.
Lawing’s journey with O’Brien stretches back to their days at Penn State, creating a coaching synergy that has flourished through stops in Houston, Alabama, and most recently, New England with the Patriots. Lawing’s expertise, particularly with tight ends, has been a hallmark of his coaching career, promising an innovative offensive strategy for the Eagles.
On the defensive side, Tim Lewis, a former NFL cornerback and seasoned defensive coordinator, brings a wealth of NFL and collegiate coaching experience. His tenure includes significant roles with the Steelers, Giants, Seahawks, and 49ers, alongside collegiate positions at SMU and Pitt. Most recently, Lewis showcased his defensive acumen as co-defensive coordinator of the Arlington Renegades in the United Football League, underlining his ability to adapt and excel across different levels of football.
Further bolstering the coaching staff, Jonathan DiBiaso is set to be promoted to quarterbacks coach. DiBiaso’s rich football lineage and coaching stints at various collegiate programs, including his recent role at Boston College, position him as an ideal mentor for the Eagles’ quarterbacks, promising to develop a dynamic and effective passing game under O’Brien’s leadership.
Additionally, O’Brien is reuniting with Craig Fitzgerald, naming him the team’s strength and conditioning coach. Fitzgerald’s departure from Florida to join Boston College underscores the importance of physical conditioning and player development in O’Brien’s vision for the team.
To maintain continuity and build on existing strengths, O’Brien plans to retain Matt Appelbaum (offensive line coach), Darrell Wyatt (wide receivers coach), and Savon Huggins (running backs coach) from the previous coaching staff. This strategic blend of new and returning coaches exemplifies O’Brien’s comprehensive approach to team building, aiming to leverage both fresh insights and established relationships within the program.