Roanoke Times
                 Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.

DATE: WEDNESDAY, February 20, 1991                   TAG: 9102200090
SECTION: SPORTS                    PAGE: B4   EDITION: METRO 
SOURCE: DOUG DOUGHTY SPORTSWRITER
DATELINE: CHARLOTTESVILLE                                LENGTH: Medium

UVA MAKES O'BRIEN OFFENSIVE COORDINATOR

Tom O'Brien, the Cavaliers' offensive-line coach for the past nine seasons, will be Welsh's first offensive coordinator in 18 seasons as a head coach - the first nine at Navy.

O'Brien's promotion followed closely the announcement Monday that quarterback coach Gary Tranquill was leaving UVa to become quarterback coach for the Cleveland Browns.

"Obviously, George had something in mind," O'Brien, 42, said. "I didn't think [Tranquill's departure] would trigger this thing so quickly."

O'Brien, 42, said his new responsibilities have not been established. He did not know if he will call the plays, taking over for Tranquill, or how much input he will have in the selection of a new quarterback coach.

"I'm not going to hire anybody," said O'Brien, who has been with Welsh for 16 years. "There's two spots open. It's like the draft; you're going to take the best available coaches."

Tranquill is one of three coaches to leave UVa in the past week, joining defensive coordinator Frank Spaziani and linebacker coach Phil Elmassian. Rick Lantz, from Louisville, has replaced Spaziani.

Welsh said it is likely O'Brien will continue to coach the offensive line. O'Brien said he also could coach the quarterbacks or not have an area of responsibility.

"I think he's one of the best line coaches, if not the best line coach, in college football," Welsh said. "Tom O'Brien has earned this. In fact, I think he's ready to be a head coach."

"I thought the time had come for me to make the move. I think it would have been more difficult if Gary would have stayed. I would not have liked to have made a choice."

Welsh has said UVa's offensive system will not change and O'Brien said nothing to contradict that.

"I've always liked to throw the football," O'Brien said. "I think you have to do what's best for your football team. I think that starts with what your quarterback can do."

The lack of a title has never been used against him in previous job talks, O'Brien said, but it could improve his credentials for landing a head-coaching position in the future.

"It hasn't sunk in yet," O'Brien said. "We've kind of had an offense by committee. I think I've had a lot of input since I've been here."