Former Chicago Bears interim head coach joins the New England Patriots

Former Chicago Bears interim coach Thomas Brown endured a chaotic 2024 season.

Following the firing of Shane Waldron, he was promoted from passing game coordinator to offensive coordinator during the middle of the season. Three games into his offensive coordinator role, he was promoted to interim head coach of the Bears following Matt Eberflus’ dismissal.

Thomas Brown went 1-4 as an interim head coach

During his time as interim head coach, he held the Bears to a record of 1-4, with the lone win being a thrilling 24-22 victory over the Green Bay Packers in Week 18. While the offense still struggled, quarterback Caleb Williams clearly improved his play when Brown was calling plays. Brown was able to maintain a great relationship with the rookie quarterback, calling plays to the strengths of WIlliams.

Many people around the NFL including the Bears front office was impressed with how Brown handled a near-impossible situation very well and also earned the respect of the locker room. He earned multiple offensive coordinator interviews around the NFL and also interviewed for the Bears head coaching job.

While he did not get the Bears head coaching job due to the hiring of Ben Johnson, it looks like Thomas Brown has found himself a new opportunity.

The former Chicago Bears coach is going to New England

According to NFL Network’s Tom Pelissero, former Bears interim HC Thomas Brown is becoming the tight ends coach/passing game coordinator for the New England Patriots.

Via Pelissero:

 “The #Patriots are hiring Thomas Brown as their tight ends coach/pass game coordinator, per source.

Brown, who most recently was the #Bears’ interim coach, impressed Mike Vrabel in an OC interview and now is joining Vrabel’s staff.”

The #Patriots are hiring Thomas Brown as their tight ends coach/pass game coordinator, per source.

Brown, who most recently was the #Bears’ interim coach, impressed Mike Vrabel in an OC interview and now is joining Vrabel’s staff. pic.twitter.com/MCv2jM9wPQ

— Tom Pelissero (@TomPelissero) January 27, 2025

Brown previously interviewed with Mike Vrabel and the Patriots for their offensive coordinator position. However, he did not land the job. The Patriots decided to bring back Josh McDaniels instead. The former Bears coach seemed to leave a great impression on the Patriots, as they hired him in a different role.

Before working for the Bears, Brown was offensive coordinator for the Carolina Panthers and also served on Sean McVay’s coaching staff in Los Angeles.

Brown has shown he deserves an offensive coordinator job in the NFL and deserves another chance to call plays. Hopefully, in the next couple of seasons, he will be given another opportunity to call plays.