NFL Rumors: Patriots Could Take Rare Route To Adding Coach

Thomas Brown didn’t land the Patriots offensive coordinator job, but that doesn’t necessarily mean he won’t be coaching in New England next season.

Brown interviewed for Alex Van Pelt’s old role after the Patriots hired Mike Vrabel as head coach. The gig ultimately went to Josh McDaniels, one of the best offensive coordinators in New England’s franchise history.

The 38-year-old Brown apparently made a good impression when he spoke with Patriots decision-makers, though.

“The Patriots had interviewed interim Chicago Bears head coach Thomas Brown for their offensive coordinator job that ultimately went to McDaniels, but Brown is still in talks with the team to potentially join the staff in a different role, according to league sources,” ESPN’s Mike Reiss wrote in a column published Sunday.

Brown, a former running back who played three NFL seasons, has been coaching since 2011. He was on college staffs for the first nine years of his post-playing career before becoming the Rams running backs coach in 2020. Brown became Los Angeles’ assistant head coach the following season before serving as the Panthers’ and the Bears’ offensive coordinator in 2023 and 2024, respectively.

Those stints allowed Brown to gain valuable experience working with a pair of highly drafted young quarterbacks: Bryce Young and Caleb Williams. Thus, it makes sense why Vrabel and company reportedly are interested in having Brown help develop Drake Maye.