FOXBORO -- The Patriots locker room was nearly desolate on Friday. Players arrived and then departed quickly at the start of the media availability period. The ones who lingered weren't talking.
Their resounding silence was a way to steer clear of the news that offensive coordinator Bill O'Brien had agreed to become the next coach at Penn State.
Julian Edelman was the only player who would speak on the subject.
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"If it's true," Edelman said of O'Brien's new gig, "we'll miss him."
Edelman wouldn't indicate if O'Brien was in Foxboro on Friday, but he described O'Brien as a "charistmatic" and "emotional" coach, saying that the Patriots will benefit from having him around during their playoff run.
"He gets fired up when you get fired up. Billy, he's just a good guy . . . You love playing for him. You want to do well for him."
Edelman said he wasn't disappointed that O'Brien had chosen to take the job when he did, with the Patriots preparing to make a run at the Super Bowl.
"You're always happy to see a guy succeed and get opportunities," Edelman said. "When guys go different directions, it gives opportunities for other people. We'll see."
Even though it was more quiet than usual in Foxboro the day after the O'Brien news broke, Edelman insisted nothing has changed in terms of the team's preparation. O'Brien's impending departure was not a distraction.
"We're still getting ready for the playoffs. We didn't change anything," Edelman said. "We're going to get back to work here soon, enjoy a couple days off and rest."