Thomas Brown (American football coach) facts for kids

Thomas Brown, born on May 15, 1986, is an American football coach. He used to play as a running back in professional football. Currently, he works for the New England Patriots in the National Football League (NFL). He is their passing game coordinator and tight ends coach.

Brown played college football for the Georgia Bulldogs. He also played professionally in the NFL for the Atlanta Falcons and Cleveland Browns. Before becoming a coach, he was an assistant coach for many NFL and college teams.

Playing Career

Thomas Brown had an exciting career as a football player. He played both in college and in the NFL.

College Football Highlights

Brown played college football for the Georgia Bulldogs from 2004 to 2007.

Freshman Year (2004)

In 2004, Brown was named an All-SEC (Southeastern Conference) player as a freshman. He ran for 875 yards and scored eight touchdowns. He also caught 16 passes for 150 yards. Overall, he gained 1,043 yards in different ways. He had several games where he ran for over 100 yards. He also won the Offensive Newcomer of the Year Award.

Sophomore Year (2005)

In his second year, Brown started all 12 games. He led the Bulldogs with 736 rushing yards and four touchdowns. He also caught 67 yards in passes. He had a great game against South Carolina, rushing for 146 yards. He even threw a 9-yard touchdown pass to the quarterback against the Florida Gators. Brown also ran for a 52-yard touchdown in the 2006 Sugar Bowl.

Junior Year (2006)

In 2006, Brown started five of seven games. He ran for 256 yards and one touchdown. He also caught seven passes for 71 yards. He returned 15 kickoffs for 379 yards. He set a school record with a 99-yard kickoff return against Tennessee. Sadly, he tore a ligament in his knee against Vanderbilt. This injury ended his season early.

Senior Year (2007)

In his senior year, Brown rushed for 779 yards and 10 touchdowns. He did this even though he missed three games with a broken collarbone. He also shared playing time with another talented player, Knowshon Moreno. Brown caught 10 passes for 84 yards and two touchdowns. He also returned 15 kickoffs for 333 yards. He was named SEC Offensive Player of the Week after running for 180 yards and three touchdowns against the University of Mississippi.

NFL Playing Career

After college, Thomas Brown was drafted into the NFL.

Atlanta Falcons (2008)

The Atlanta Falcons picked Brown in the sixth round of the 2008 NFL draft. His first season was cut short by an injury during the preseason. He was placed on the injured reserve list. He left the team before the next season started.

Cleveland Browns (2009–2010)

Brown joined the Cleveland Browns practice squad in November 2009. He was moved to the main team in January 2010. He was released by the Browns in June 2010.

Coaching Career

After his playing career, Thomas Brown became a successful football coach.

Early Coaching Roles

In 2012, Brown started his coaching career as the running backs coach for the Chattanooga Mocs. In 2013, he took the same position with the Marshall Thundering Herd.

Wisconsin Badgers (2014)

In 2014, Brown became the running backs coach for the Wisconsin Badgers. During his time there, running back Melvin Gordon set a school record. Gordon rushed for 2,587 yards in a single season.

Georgia Bulldogs (2015)

In 2015, Brown returned to his old college, the University of Georgia, as the running backs coach. He worked under head coach Mark Richt, who was his coach when he played there. This move brought together the coach of a record-setting running back with a top college running back, Nick Chubb.

Miami Hurricanes (2016–2018)

In 2015, Brown was hired by the University of Miami. He became their running backs coach and offensive coordinator. He worked with Mark Richt again at Miami.

South Carolina Gamecocks (2019)

In 2019, Brown was named the running backs coach for the University of South Carolina.

Los Angeles Rams (2020–2022)

In 2020, Brown joined the Los Angeles Rams as their running backs coach. He worked under head coach Sean McVay. In 2021, he also became the assistant head coach. Brown helped the Rams win Super Bowl LVI in 2022. They defeated the Cincinnati Bengals 23–20. In 2022, he changed roles to become the team's tight ends coach, while still being the assistant head coach.

Carolina Panthers (2023)

In 2023, Brown was hired by the Carolina Panthers as their offensive coordinator. He worked under head coach Frank Reich. After the team started with no wins and six losses, Frank Reich let Brown take over play-calling duties. Brown was recognized as one of the top offensive coordinators in the league by an NFL players' poll.

Chicago Bears (2024)

In January 2024, Brown was hired by the Chicago Bears as their pass game coordinator. He worked under head coach Matt Eberflus. In November 2024, Brown was promoted to offensive coordinator. Later that month, he was named the interim head coach of the Bears. This happened after head coach Matt Eberflus was fired. The Bears finished the 2024 season with a 4–8 record under Brown as interim head coach. In January 2025, the Bears announced they would not keep Brown for the 2025 season.

New England Patriots (2025–present)

In January 2025, the New England Patriots hired Thomas Brown. He became their passing game coordinator and tight ends coach. He now works under new head coach Mike Vrabel.

Head Coaching Record

*Interim head coach

Personal Life

Thomas Brown is married to Jessica. They have three children together.