It took most of Tom O'Brien's six-year tenure as NC State's football coach before the Raleigh community embraced his dry sense of humor. Although some fans were never able to get past his stoic presence on the sideline, others ran with the new meme of "TOB-ing." He battled with the local media weekly, beginning his occasionally sarcastic and/or cutting answers with an audible "sniff."
O'Brien was fired by NC State in November after compiling a 40-35 record and leading the Wolfpack to three bowl appearances (2-1). When O'Brien answered questions about his job security in late 2012, the former coach pointed out frequently that NC State's 24 wins from 2010-12 rank among the best three-season totals in program history. Unfortunately, the fans and administration chose to look elsewhere, eventually hiring Dave Doeren from Northern Illinois.
In January, O'Brien, 64, accepted a job on Mike London's staff at Virginia -- the place where he spent 15 years as offensive coordinator and offensive line coach with George Welsh. O'Brien signed a two-year deal to serve as London's associate head coach for offense and coach the tight ends. On Monday, O'Brien got some help from his new employer. The former Wolpack head coach moved his belongings from a condo in downtown Raleigh.
(H/T: @leewilliams78, @joeovies, SBNation/Backing The Pack)
TOB loaded up and headed north twitter.com/leewilliams78/…
— Lee Williams (@leewilliams78) March 4, 2013
@joeovies I can verify the #UVa truck. Saw it this AM at Dawson and Edenton. Trying to figure out why UVA football truck in Raleigh in March
— Brian Lusk (@bklusk) March 4, 2013
Unfortunately, NC State and Virginia will not meet on the field in 2013 unless they face off in the ACC Championship Game. If they do, I guarantee this triumphant exit will be a topic of conversation.
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