Mike Vrabel Sheds Light On Teams Eyeing Patriots’ Assistants For Job Openings

Story byEvan CormierWed, January 7, 2026 at 8:45 PM UTC·2 min readThe New England Patriots conducted one of the league’s most dramatic turnarounds in 2025. After finishing last season 4-13 with just 289 points scored on offense, head coach Mike Vrabel’s brand new staff produced a 14-3 record as the highest scoring team in the AFC. AdvertisementAdvertisementAdvertisementIt is expected that the high-flying success of Vrabel’s staff will lead to possible offseason promotions for many of the coaches in the building. Vrabel says that this is a challenge that is a privilege to overcome.“I want the best for every single coach that’s here,” Vrabel said. “I do, and we will focus on that (other teams interviewing Patriots staff) whenever they can talk to our coaches… I am excited for every one of them that can get an opportunity.“I will help them however I can. But our focus is obviously on the Chargers this week and a huge task against a good football team.”New England is already seeing coaches like Thomas Brown, the Patriots’ passing game coordinator, draw interest for at least one of the league’s head coaching vacancies. AdvertisementAdvertisementAdvertisementBrown’s name was included on reports of names to watch before the NFL’s “Black Monday” mass-firing. NFL Network’s Cameron Wolfe confirms that Brown has now been contacted by the Arizona Cardinals, who have requested permission to interview the Patriots staffer. Many have speculated that offensive coordinator Josh McDaniels could also receive head coaching interviews.