Penn State head coach Bill O’Brien is the number one option for the Houston Texans. With rumors swirling every which way, O’Brien reportedly reached out to his freshman quarterback, Christian Hackenberg, to discuss where things stand. According to Hackenberg’s father, the Big Ten Freshman of the Year is comfortable with where things stand.
Hackenberg’s father, Erick, was contacted by The Patriot News Saturday for comment on the possibility of O’Brien leaving Penn State. He confirmed O’Brien had spoken to his son and confirmed that the level of trust between the two has not changed.
“Coach has talked to Christian and they’ve had their own conversation, " Erick said according to The Patriot News. “He asked Christian for it to stay between the two of them so that’s what’s going to happen. ... He’s talked to Bill and we’re comfortable with where it stands.”
This comment does leave room for interpretation. Hackenberg could be “comfortable” with O’Brien’s decision even if it means leaving to coach in the NFL. Penn State Class of 2015 commit Thomas Holley also told 247 Sports he had spoken to O’Brien on Saturday and said the coach is not leaving.
If O’Brien does leave for the NFL, he certainly would not be the first coach to leave a program when the players expected him to return, but at least this provides a different spin for Penn State.