LAKE FOREST, Ill. (670 The Score) – Three weeks ago, Thomas Brown was working as the Bears’ passing game coordinator, which represented a complementary role on the team’s coaching staff.
Brown’s professional life has changed considerably since then. On Nov. 12, he was named the Bears’ offensive coordinator after the team fired Shane Waldron. Then last Friday, he became Chicago’s interim head coach after Matt Eberflus was fired amid a six-game losing streak.
The 38-year-old Brown now has a five-game audition in the Bears’ interim head coaching role. He’s expected to be considered for the full-time position after the season concludes.
“Maybe it’s not the ideal scenario, but I live every day to be at my best for those around me,” Brown said Monday. “Every job I’ve had that’s led me to the future is based on the current work I do. So, that’s all I care about. I’m not worried about what happens in five weeks. I really don’t. It’s not even in my thought process. I’m focused on this very moment and how to do the best job I can for this football team to help lead these guys the right way and go have success.”
Brown has been a candidate for head coaching vacancies in the past and will likely be under strong consideration for the Bears. A former NFL running back, Brown began his coaching career in the college ranks before entering the NFL in 2020 with the Rams. After working in Los Angeles for three years, Brown was the Carolina Panthers’ offensive coordinator in 2023.
As of Monday, it was unclear which candidates will be in consideration for the Bears' opening, though team president Kevin Warren believes the position will draw great interest.
“This will be the most coveted job in the National Football League this year,” Warren said.
Brown conducted his first team meeting as interim head coach Monday morning after Bears players returned from a mandated three-day break.
Brown is trying to keep the Bears’ focus and belief after an ugly 23-20 loss to the Lions last Thursday in Detroit, where Eberflus botched the clock management in the final minute, preventing his team from getting a look at a game-tying field-goal attempt. The Bears dropped to 4-8 with the loss.
Eberflus was scrutinized publicly by outsiders and also internally by his own players, which played a key part in his firing. For his part, Brown didn’t want to just move past the Bears’ loss Thursday. He felt it had to be addressed before they moved forward.
“I talked about making sure our house is right,” Brown said. “The initial goal is to unify this football team. Everybody’s on the same accord, moving in the same direction, speaking the same language and attacking with effort. No more divisions. As far as the outside noise, we ignore it. It doesn’t matter, whether it’s positive or it's negative. What matters is our daily approach, us working together and executing when it’s time to go execute.”
While Brown isn’t thinking of what his future holds, the Bears will be watching him closely with that in mind. The Bears will visit the San Francisco 49ers (5-7) on Sunday afternoon.
“Thomas is incredibly bright,” Warren said. “He’s hard working. He’s grown up around the game. He’s talented. He has great leadership capabilities. He’s decisive and he’s clear. And I’m excited to watch him lead our football team.”
Chris Emma covers the Bears, Chicago’s sports scene and more for 670TheScore.com. Follow him on Twitter @CEmma670.