Image courtesy of the New England Patriots
The Arizona Cardinals have requested permission to interview Patriots assistant coach Thomas Brown for their head coaching vacancy.
The move comes on the heels of the franchise’s decision to part ways with Jonathan Gannon, whose three-year tenure concluded with a disappointing 3-14 finish this past season.
As General Manager Monti Ossenfort begins the process of reshaping a roster that has struggled for consistency, Brown has emerged as a high-priority candidate known for his versatility and his role in one of the NFL’s most dramatic turnarounds this year.
Currently serving as the passing game coordinator and tight ends coach for the Patriots under Mike Vrabel, Brown is widely credited as a key architect of New England’s offensive resurgence. After years of offensive stagnation, the 2025 Patriots finished with a 14-3 record and secured the AFC East title. Brown’s work with quarterback Drake Maye in the passing game has been particularly notable, helping transform the young signal-caller into an MVP front-runner who led the league in multiple passing categories.
Brown’s ability to develop elite quarterback play is likely a primary draw for Arizona, as the Cardinals weigh the future of Kyler Murray or a potential transition to a new starter in 2026.
Brown’s coaching pedigree is as diverse as it is respected across the league. He is a prominent branch of the Sean McVay coaching tree, having spent three seasons with the Los Angeles Rams, where he earned a Super Bowl ring as an assistant head coach. His career has also been defined by his resilience in challenging environments. In 2023, he served as the offensive coordinator for the Carolina Panthers, and in 2024, he took over as the interim head coach of the Chicago Bears following the dismissal of Matt Eberflus. Despite the instability in those organizations, Brown earned praise from the NFLPA and peers for his leadership and modern offensive schemes.
The Cardinals’ interest in Brown signals a potential shift toward an offensive-minded philosophy. While other candidates on Arizona’s initial list include defensive specialists like Robert Saleh and Jeff Hafley, the inclusion of Brown and Seahawks offensive coordinator Klint Kubiak suggests that Ossenfort is seriously considering a structural reset on the offensive side of the ball.
Given the NFL’s strict postseason interview rules, the Cardinals will have to wait until at least January 13 to conduct a virtual meeting with Brown, as the Patriots are currently preparing for their playoff run as the AFC’s second seed.
For Brown, this request represents the latest step in a rapid ascent through the NFL ranks. He has already interviewed for head coaching positions with the Titans and Bears in previous cycles, and his success in New England has only bolstered his reputation as one of the most prepared young assistants in the game.
The Cardinals are looking to climb out of the basement in the NFC West and are intrigued by Brown’s blend of championship experience and proven developmental skills. He is the type of coach who can provide the “fresh start” the franchise so desperately needs.