As is normally the case, Sean McVay’s coaching staff on the Los Angeles Rams will look a lot different next season than it did in 2022.
The biggest change so far has been at offensive coordinator with Liam Coen leaving to go back to the University of Kentucky and McVay bringing in Mike LaFleur, the former offensive coordinator of the New York Jets.
McVay decided to go outside the organization to hire an offensive coordinator instead of elevating a coach from within the organization, which is what he has done every time he has needed a new right-hand man.
That means some internal coaches were looked over though, and perhaps at the top of the list is Thomas Brown.
Brown has been with the Rams for a few years now, first as the running backs coach and then switching to tight ends in 2022. That change was essentially to groom Brown to become an offensive coordinator one day, taking on more responsibilities to expand his portfolio in addition to holding the title of assistant head coach.
It appears other organizations are taking note of Brown’s growth as Jonathan Jones of CBS is reporting that he interviewed for the Buccaneers’ offensive coordinator position:
Buccaneers have interviewed Rams assistant head coach Thomas Brown for their vacant offensive coordinator position
— Jonathan Jones (@jjones9) February 11, 2023
McVay surely doesn’t want to lose Brown from his staff, but if the latter is offered an offensive coordinator job then that will be tough to pass up.
The Buccaneers are in an interesting position after Tom Brady decided to retire. They are currently without a quarterback and may go into a rebuild. That may be a good, low-pressure opportunity for Brown, who would be a first-time offensive coordinator at the NFL level.
If he doesn’t get the job and stays in L.A. though then he will likely go back to working with the team’s running backs after the departure of Ra’Shaad Samples. The Rams have already hired a new tight ends coach in Nick Caley, formerly of the New England Patriots.