The New England Patriots conducted the 2024 NFL Draft without an official top decision-maker. They’ll reportedly speak to someone outside the organization for the role.
Per Sports Illustrated‘s Albert Breer, the Patriots are interviewing Philadelphia Eagles scouting director Brandon Hunt for their “primary football executive” position on Wednesday. He’s believed to be the first external candidate to interview for the job.
Bill Belichick served as New England’s de facto general manager during his tenure as head coach. Since Belichick’s exit in January, New England director of scouting Eliot Wolf has controlled the personnel department.
Jonathan Jones of CBS Sports wrote Tuesday morning that the Patriots are “moving forward” in their search for a top football executive, a position typically known as the general manager.
“It’s unclear what the title would be, but sources believe the position would outrank all other football positions in the building,” Jones wrote.
Hunt can’t be the only candidate outside New England to sit for the job opening. The Patriots must interview at least two external minority candidates in person to meet Rooney Rule requirements.
Per NFL Network’s Tom Pelissero, Cincinnati Bengals senior executive Trey Brown declined an interview request
A former college offensive lineman, Hunt began his scouting career as an intern for the Pittsburgh Steelers in 2005 and 2006. He then spent three years as a Houston Texans scout before returning to Pittsburgh for a 12-year stint as the pro scouting coordinator.
Hunt went to Philadelphia following the 2022 season.