While the New England Patriots are gearing up for a playoff run, other teams around the NFL have begun the process of rebuilding. Among them are the Arizona Cardinals, who have set their sights on a member of the Patriots’ coaching staff.
According to a report by Cameron Wolfe of NFL Network, the team has requested to interview tight ends coach/passing game coordinator Thomas Brown for its vacant head coaching position.
Brown, 39, joined the Patriots last offseason alongside head coach Mike Vrabel.
Working alongside offensive coordinator Josh McDaniels, he has helped lead one of the most effective passing attacks in the NFL. During the regular season, New England ranked in the top five in multiple statistical categories while quarterback Drake Maye emerged as a realistic MVP candidate.
New England’s tight end group, meanwhile, has been rock solid all year. Hunter Henry is playing arguably the best football of his career, while Austin Hooper has also been a valuable contributor as the Patriots’ TE2.
His success in New England is likely not the only reason why Brown is drawing head coaching interest, though. Before getting hired by the Patriots, he already built an impressive résumé.
A former NFL running back who was selected by the Falcons in the sixth round of the 2008 draft, Brown has been on the staffs of the Rams, Panthers and Bears between 2020 and 2024. The Super Bowl LVI champion served as offensive coordinator in both Carolina and Chicago, and was even elevated to interim head coach following the firing of Bears HC Matt Eberflus during the 2024 campaign.
Per NFL rules, Brown can conduct his first virtual interview with the Cardinals after the Patriots’ wild card playoff game against the Los Angeles Chargers. The earliest date to do so is Jan. 13, with in-person interviews not permitted until Jan. 19.
