The Patriots drafted O'Connell, a San Diego State quarterback in the third round (94th overall) in the 2008 NFL draft. That year he was Matt Cassel's backup and appeared twice at the end of blowout games. From 2009-12, O'Connell spent time with the Lions, Jets, Dolphins and Chargers without appearing in a regular-season game. After a few years in broadcasting, he transitioned to coaching in 2015.