Patriots Rumors: Robert Kraft To Lead Search For Head Coach

The Patriots are running it back.

New England is set to embark on a wide-ranging search for the organization’s next head coach after firing Jerod Mayo on Sunday, but even though they flopped with the decision to hire him in the first place, they aren’t changing much in terms of process.

Robert Kraft and Jonathan Kraft aren’t planning on hiring an outside firm to conduct their search for a new head coach, Sports Illustrated’s Albert Breer reported Monday. The Patriots will lean on ownership to run point, “with potential for a few others to be involved” along the way.

Did you expect anything less?

It’s expected that all boxes will be checked this time around, as the organization will have to comply with multiple rules it skirted last offseason when elevating Jerod Mayo. The NFL will require them to interview at least two external minority candidates as part of its Rooney Rule.

Patriots executive vice president of player personnel Eliot Wolf seemingly will have input in the process, as he reportedly will be retained. The Patriots reportedly have requested to interview former Tennessee Titans head coach Mike Vrabel and Detroit Lions offensive coordinator Ben Johnson, with the former being the reported leader in the clubhouse.