NFL News: Thomas Brown Reportedly Interviews for Patriots OC Job Under Mike Vrabel

Newly-hired New England Patriots head coach Mike Vrabel is adding another candidate to his list of potential offensive coordinators.

The Patriots interviewed Chicago Bears interim head coach and offensive coordinator Thomas Brown for the open position on Tuesday, according to NFL Network's Ian Rapoport.

The Patriots and Vrabel agreed to a multiyear contract last weekend, according to ESPN's Adam Schefter.

The team now needs to replace former offensive coordinator Alex Van Pelt, who was fired alongside former head coach Jerod Mayo following the Patriots' 4-13 finish to the 2024 season.

Vrabel has previously been tied to Josh McDaniels, who served on the Patriots' coaching staff from 2012 to 2021 before spending two seasons as head coach of the Las Vegas Raiders.

When asked about McDaniels on Tuesday in an appearance on WEEI's The Greg Hill Show (h/t Pats Fans' Ian Logue,) Vrabel said, "Yeah, I'm going to look at every possible candidate that I feel like can help us."

"We're going to start that process today, this afternoon, and visit with some great coaches, and then we'll see where things go," Vrabel continued. "That's all three phases."

When asked if McDaniels was on his list: "Yeah, it's a long list. Yeah, there's a long list. I've had a relationship with Josh, and I've had relationships with other offensive coaches and defensive coaches that we're going to interview and want to bring in here."

The Patriots reportedly previously interviewed Brown ahead of the 2024 season before going with Van Pelt in his stead.

This offseason, Brown has reportedly received interest from the Seattle Seahawks, according to NFL Network's Tom Pelissero.

The Seahawks may have since decided to go in a different direction, with Minnesota Vikings assistant coach Grant Udinski and New Orleans Saints offensive coordinator Klint Kubiak reportedly already having returned for second interviews.

Brown has also interviewed with the Bears for their head coaching vacancy. He was promoted twice during the 2024 season, climbing from passing game coordinator to offensive coordinator and ultimately taking over as interim head coach following Matt Eberflus' midseason firing.

But after leading the Bears to a 1-4 record as head coach, Brown faces tough competition to keep his position in Chicago on a permanent basis. The Bears have completed or requested head coaching interviews with at least 18 candidates, per ESPN's Courtney Cronin.