The Patriots began the formal process to officially name a de facto general manager this week, but before they make a decision or change any titles on staff, they must comply with the Rooney Rule.

Per an NFL spokesperson, as part of any search for a “primary football position,” a team has to follow the Rooney Rule. So, if the Patriots name one person to the primary role in charge of personnel, they must first satisfy the Rooney Rule by interviewing two minority candidates in person.

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The team began that search this week and has reportedly been turned down in at least three interview requests with minority candidates, Bengals senior personnel executive Trey Brown, former Cardinals vice president of personnel Quentin Harris and Bills director of player personnel Terrance Gray.

The Patriots were in compliance with the Rooney Rule before the draft because, per the league, there wasn’t a singular person in the primary personnel position, and because there were no changes to anyone’s title.

Director of scouting Eliot Wolf has appeared to be in charge of Patriots personnel since the team parted ways with Bill Belichick. Wolf said prior to the 2024 NFL Draft that he had final say on the team’s No. 3 overall pick. He met with reporters at the combine, in April and after Days 1 and 2 of the 2024 NFL Draft. His title of director of scouting did not change after the 2023 season, however.

Director of player personnel Matt Groh, director of pro scouting Steve Cargile, director of college scouting Camren Williams and executive vice president of football business Robyn Glaser also hold key roles in the organization, though Glaser’s is not in personnel.

Those in league circles expect Wolf to get the job, which might be why the Patriots are having a difficult time getting candidates to accept interview requests. Patriots owner Robert Kraft said in March at the NFL annual meeting that the team would evaluate Wolf’s role after the draft.

The Patriots replaced Belichick as head coach with Jerod Mayo. They did not need to comply with the Rooney Rule in that search since it was written into Mayo’s previous contract that he would succeed Belichick.