BC retains Bill O’Brien, commits to bigger football investment

Boston College will bring back coach Bill O’Brien for a third season and increase its financial investment in football, athletic director Blake James announced Tuesday.

The Eagles finished 2–10, their worst season since 2012. O’Brien remained adamant throughout the year that he was still the right coach for the position, but the Eagles also spent the season without the same financial resources as their counterparts.

To that end, James announced in a statement that BC would increase its revenue share allocation to the maximum amount, “putting it in line with our Autonomy Four conference peers.”

Boston College will make a significant investment in the operational and administrative support of football. General manager Kenyatta Watson was hired on Monday to support roster management, player recruitment, development and program oversight. Watson is a Boston College alumnus who has been an assistant GM at Auburn. He was a top recruiter for Georgia Tech, Florida State and Auburn, and his appointment indicates BC’s strong desire to bring in that level of talent.

Additionally, James said Boston College has received a $50 million challenge to match new endowment gifts on a 1-1 basis for athletic scholarships and operating costs over the next five to seven years.

In two seasons at BC, O’Brien has gone 9-16. The Eagles went 7-6 with a loss in the Pinstripe Bowl last year.