Mike Vrabel has gotten the interview process for offensive coordinator underway.
The Patriots spent Tuesday interviewing Chicago Bears interim coach and OC Thomas Brown for their vacant post, MassLive has confirmed.
Brown was first promoted to offensive coordinator when the Bears fired Shane Waldron, and later was named interim head coach after Matt Eberflus was let go.
With Drake Maye showing such promise his rookie year, the offensive coordinator job stands as Vrabel’s most significant hire.
Alex Van Pelt, who isn’t likely to return in the role, did a good job developing Maye in Year 1. Already, it was reported that six assistants wouldn’t be returning.
It remains to be seen how Vrabel fills out his staff, and turns to in Year 2 to further develop Maye.
Former Patriots offensive coordinator Josh McDaniels is also expected to be in the mix.
Minnesota QB coach Josh McCown, who was expected to be an OC candidate for the Patriots, won’t take another assistant job, according to ESPN’s Adam Schefter.
Apparently, a head coach position was the only job McCown would take to leave the Vikings. McCown had coached Maye in high school for one year at Myers Park in Charlotte.
Along with the Bears, Brown has had coaching stints with the LA Rams (running backs coach, tight ends coach, assistant head coach) and Carolina Panthers (offensive coordinator).
NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport was first with the report.
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