The Hill School has announced the hiring of Sean O’Brien as its next head coach. O’Brien, who is the Director of Hockey Operations at Harvard, will replace Chris Bala at the end of this season.
O’Brien has been at Harvard since 2017. Prior to joining the Crimson, he has experience as an NHL scout (Florida Panthers) and he co-founded the Portland Jr. Pirates organization in Maine, leading the organization from 2003-10, placing more than 100 players into college hockey.
In 2011 O’Brien began directing the Selects Academy program while also serving as VP of Legacy Global Sports. O’Brien will conclude the 2020-21 season with Harvard before transitioning to Hill next season.
“I am extremely humbled and honored to join The Hill School faculty as the next Head Boys’ Hockey Coach,” O’Brien said. “This is a terrific opportunity for me and for my entire family. I look forward to continuing on the tradition and history of the hockey program, while working closely with everyone on campus to be successful. In addition, my family is very excited to be joining the Hill community and making the beautiful campus our home.”
Bala has been on staff at The Hill School since 2008 and has posted a 108-78-11 record as head coach.
“I am incredibly thankful for the opportunity to serve as head boys hockey coach at The Hill School,” he said. “It was fulfilling to lead a program that contributed so positively to my experience at Hill, and the on-ice career that would follow. My time in this program was particularly special, not because of the results or for games won, but because of the people I played for and played with. I sincerely hope the same will be true for the players who’ve skated in this program the past seven years.”
Bala, who is a Hill alum, plans to stay involved with the program.
“I am thrilled for the School to name Sean as head coach,” Bala said. “He will bring the same experience, energy and perspective to our program that has helped him find success at all levels of hockey, including Harvard, all the while learning how amazing it can be to live and work at The Hill School. I look forward to supporting his transition into our program and staying involved in the hockey program however I can.”
