Boston College coach Bill O’Brien defended his team’s effort and attitude during a heated exchange with reporters this week, pushing back against suggestions that the 1-8 Eagles have lost their fight.
The second-year coach became visibly frustrated when asked about fan frustration during a media session at Fish Field House.
“I’m not down. Nobody’s down. We’re fighting. We’re competing,” O’Brien said. “It’s the second year of this program, Mike. You always come in here with these down questions. Like you show up once a month or something like that. You come in here with these down questions. I’m not down.”
Mike Gualtieri, a New England broadcaster and BC graduate, had asked what message O’Brien had for the team’s restless fan base.
O’Brien’s response escalated quickly. “You can go out there in your dark, clouded world or whatever it is and do what you want to do. We’re not down. The sun is up and we’re fighting.”
The outburst highlighted the pressure of coaching through a one-win season.
O’Brien later confirmed that Grayson James will remain the starting quarterback against SMU. The senior transferred to BC after three years at FIU and is in his second season with the Eagles.
“He competes. He’s doing a good job. He’s fighting,” O’Brien said. “He’ll start against SMU.”
Red Bandana Week
This week’s game carries special significance as Boston College’s annual Red Bandana Week. The tradition honors Welles Crowther, a former BC lacrosse player who became known as “the man in the red bandana.”
Crowther saved lives during the 9/11 attacks before losing his own. His legacy has become central to the school’s identity.
Players and fans will wear red-bandana patterns instead of traditional maroon and gold. The tribute symbolizes selflessness and sacrifice.
“We owe a lot to Welles Crowther and what he meant to this school,” O’Brien said. “The kids will understand it.”
Despite the season’s struggles, O’Brien maintained his team’s resolve remains intact.
“We’re positive,” he said. “We’re going to show up and play our asses off against SMU.”
