Boston College coach Bill O'Brien to return in 2026

Field Level Media|published: Tue 2nd December, 13:12 2025

Nov 8, 2025; Chestnut Hill, Massachusetts, USA; Boston College Eagles head coach Bill O'Brien walks on to the field for warms up before a game against the Southern Methodist University Mustangs at Alumni Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Eric Canha-Imagn Images

Despite an ugly 10-game losing streak this season, Boston College announced Tuesday that Bill O'Brien will return as head coach in 2026.

The Eagles (2-10) snapped the slide with a season-ending 34-12 victory on Saturday at Syracuse. It was their first win since beating Fordham 66-10 in the Aug. 30 season opener.

O'Brien, 56, guided Boston College to a 7-6 record and an appearance in the Pinstripe Bowl in his first season with the program in 2024.

"Like many, I believe Coach O'Brien is the right man to be our head coach," athletic director Blake James shared in a letter to alumni obtained by On3. "I also realize that Boston College must respond to major changes taking place in intercollegiate athletics."

To keep up with the competition, James announced that there will be "significant investments" in operational and administrative support for the program. That includes making the maximum level of revenue sharing available to the Eagles' roster.

"While our Athletics program participated in revenue sharing this past year, effective immediately, it will increase its commitment to the maximum permissible level, putting it in line with our Autonomy Four conference peers," James wrote. "The University is committed to supporting football with the resources necessary to compete while maintaining its longstanding academic and ethical standards."

O'Brien has an overall FBS coaching record of 24-25, including 15-9 over two seasons at Penn State from 2012-13. He coached the NFL's Houston Texans from 2014-20, compiling a 52-48 record with four playoff appearances.

--Field Level Media

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