Breer directly noted the Patriots could've run "a sham interview process" simply because they are "desperate" to get to Vrabel, who has attracted interest from several other clubs and could be hired at any time. Additionally, Fox Sports NFL insider Jordan Schultz accused the Patriots of "blatantly" sidestepping the Rooney Rule:

The New England Patriots are primed to potentially hire back-to-back former linebackers with the team as their head coach. After letting go of Jerod Mayo following a 4-13 campaign

For a second straight year, the New England Patriots will be hiring a new head coach. Last year, the team parted ways with the greatest coach in NFL history, Bill Belichick, and hired Jerod Mayo as his replacement.