Patriots Could Lose Key Coach to Chargers Vacancy

The New England Patriots have shattered expectations this season and will play for a spot in the Super Bowl on Sunday against the Denver Broncos.

Given how the Patriots have played this season, it’s no surprise their coaching staff is garnering interest for vacancies around the league. Tight ends coach and passing game coordinator Thomas Brown has interest from the Arizona Cardinals, who reportedly requested to interview him for their head coaching vacancy recently.

Now, the Los Angeles Chargers are also interested in Brown. According to NFL insider Ian Rapoport on Sunday, Brown is expected to interview for the Chargers’ offensive coordinator position. Brown has been key in the Patriots’ turnaround.

In his first season as the passing game coordinator and tight ends coach for the team, the Patriots’ passing attack ranked fourth in passing yards, fifth in passing touchdowns and first in net yards gained per pass attempt. Drake Maye also led the league in completion percentage.

Additionally, tight ends Hunter Henry and Austin Hooper combined for 1,031 yards and nine touchdowns. Brown has thrived under Mike Vrabel and also has experience working under Sean McVay.

Brown started coaching in the NFL in 2020. He has coached for the Los Angeles Rams, Carolina Panthers and Chicago Bears as well. He first served as an offensive coordinator in 2023 for the Panthers. In 2024, he served as the Beras passing game coordinator, while also acting as the interim offensive coordinator and interim head coach.

His success with the Patriots has made him a popular name in coaching searches. Losing him would be a major blow for the Patriots. The Chargers fired veteran offensive coordinator Greg Roman after the season, and Brown would be a great replacement.