Chicago Bears interim head coach Thomas Brown has experienced a whirlwind of changes over the past few weeks, and those changes have taken a noticeable toll on his physical health. On Thursday, Brown revealed that he has undergone significant weight loss as a result of his new responsibilities, shedding light on the challenges that come with the unpredictable world of coaching in the NFL.
Brown’s rapid career progression began on November 12 when he was promoted from passing game coordinator to offensive coordinator following the firing of Shane Waldron.
Just 17 days later, he was elevated once again—this time to interim head coach after Matt Eberflus was dismissed. The unexpected changes thrust Brown into the spotlight, with an increased workload and greater expectations falling on his shoulders.
Speaking to reporters ahead of Chicago’s Week 14 matchup against the San Francisco 49ers, Brown shared that he has lost over 20 pounds since his first promotion. He explained that the weight loss was not intentional but rather a byproduct of the rigorous demands of his new role.
“The major change, [the players] probably don’t know… I was trying to go on a weight loss journey about 20 days ago and I couldn’t lose weight at all,” Brown said. “I was about 225 pounds the morning of the announcement of being the offensive coordinator. This morning I was 203.”
The sudden drop in weight caught even Brown by surprise. He went on to explain that his new duties, including managing the offense and leading the entire team, left him so preoccupied that he often forgot to eat.
“I wouldn’t even say it was stress,” Brown clarified. “I think stress could help out. I’m not really stressed.” Instead, he attributed the weight loss to the sheer number of tasks he had to manage each day. “But what I realized is that if you increase tasks to your day, you forget about food. I went a couple of days and just really didn’t eat. Didn’t even think about it. I wasn’t hungry. I was thinking about the next moment—what to say to this player, game planning—and I look up and I’m almost 30 pounds down. So, we’ll keep going—see how long it lasts.”
Brown, now 38 years old, finds himself in his first head coaching opportunity in the NFL, albeit on an interim basis. With five games remaining in the season, he hopes to leave a positive impression on both the team and the organization. The Bears have faced a challenging season, with a record of 4-8 and their playoff hopes hanging on by a thread after a series of heartbreaking losses.
The Bears’ current six-game losing streak has been particularly frustrating, as four of those losses have come by a margin of three points or fewer. One of the most painful defeats occurred during the team’s Thanksgiving matchup against the Detroit Lions, where poor clock management led to a loss that ultimately sealed Matt Eberflus’ fate as head coach.
Now, it is up to Brown to try and steer the team back on course and bring energy to the locker room.
Despite the uphill battle, Brown remains determined to make the most of this opportunity. Although he is in his first year with the Bears, Brown brings a wealth of experience to the role. He previously served as the Carolina Panthers’ offensive coordinator and held the position of assistant head coach with the Los Angeles Rams, among other coaching roles.
His experience in the league has helped shape his coaching philosophy, which emphasizes the importance of connecting with players and bringing energy to every practice and game.
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“I try to bring energy every single day. I’m a very direct person,” Brown said, describing his approach. “This always has been and always will be a players’ game, so it’s about us understanding those guys and [doing] a really good job in the locker room of manning it, owning it, and taking it further than that.”
Brown’s dedication to his players and his straightforward approach have earned him respect within the locker room, and he hopes to use these final games of the season to show that he is capable of leading the team through adversity.
Whether or not the Bears’ playoff hopes come to fruition, Brown’s focus is on building a strong foundation, motivating his players, and leaving a positive impact during his tenure as interim head coach.
The road ahead may be challenging, but Thomas Brown remains committed to the task at hand, hoping to guide the Bears to a strong finish and prove his worth as a leader in the NFL.
