We've been hearing the term “de facto general manager” since the day New England Patriots parted ways with former head coach and acting general manager Bill Belichick, but now it seems they are ready to officially fill the general manager role. According to Jonathan Jones of CBS Sports, the New England Patriots have started their search to find their next head of football operations.
The Patriots just went through a very important offseason without an official general manager or head of football operations. Eliot Wolf, the director of scouting, has taken on the responsibilities of the de facto general manager. Jones suggests that Wolf remains in contention for the position as the Patriots continue their search for the ideal candidate.
Because of his significant involvement in roster management and salary cap maneuvers over the past four months, notably demonstrated by the selection of quarterback Drake Maye as the third overall pick in the draft, Wolf stands as a strong contender, if not the outright favorite, to take on the position. However, NFL regulations create obstacles for his advancement to the primary executive role.
According to the Rooney Rule, the Patriots must have at least two face-to-face interviews with external minority candidates for the open position. Just talking with internal minority executives, such as Alonzo Highsmith or others already within the organization, would not satisfy these requirements.
Eliot Wolf Has Been Working Hard as De Facto General Manager
While it was indeed a team effort in New England, Eliot Wolf was certainly at the forefront of the executive team’s decision-making process and was the main person in the media during important media days related to offseason activities.
One of Wolf’s most notable achievements during the 2024 offseason was the significant role he played in organizing the team’s free agency strategy. Under his guidance, the Patriots went on an aggressive spending spree, committing a substantial $123.9 million in guaranteed money to strengthen their roster.
The fact Eliot Wolf held roster control this offseason, when the #Patriots spent $123.9 million guaranteed in free agency and used a top-5 pick, says enough by itself. But I can add there’s a strong expectation in some league circles that he will keep the job as de facto GM.… https://t.co/K4J0Xwq97P
— Andrew Callahan (@_AndrewCallahan) May 6, 2024
Wolf played a vital role in keeping key players on the Patriots roster. Important re-signings include offensive lineman Mike Onwenu, tight end Hunter Henry, safety Kyle Dugger, defensive lineman Christian Barmore, linebacker Joshua Uche, and wide receiver Kendrick Bourne. These signings demonstrate Wolf’s dedication to maintaining consistency within the roster while addressing areas of need.
Additionally, Wolf’s influence was evident in the team’s approach to the NFL Draft. Despite enticing trade offers, he kept the Patriots’ top-3 pick, showing his confidence in the team’s draft board. This decision ultimately led to the selection of UNC quarterback Drake Maye, which indicates a significant investment in the franchise’s future.
Wolf’s impact on the Patriots is expected to extend beyond the offseason. It would be confusing to think the Patriots would allow Wolf to play such a significant role in various offseason decisions if they didn’t consider him as one of the top options for the long-term head of football operations role.
This will be the initial hire for overseeing operations for the Patriots since 2000.
For more than twenty years, Bill Belichick held the dual role of head coach and primary football decision-maker for the New England Patriots. However, after Belichick left in January, the team was left without a designated primary football executive, an essential position for guiding the team’s personnel choices.
In contrast to previous situations where individuals aided Belichick in personnel matters without being officially called a general manager, the Patriots now find themselves in unfamiliar territory, considering a formal search for a primary football executive for the first time since 2000.
Looking back at the Patriots’ past searches for crucial personnel, it’s clear that their approach has changed. Back in 2000, the pursuit of a head coach that ultimately brought Belichick on board was more of a direct negotiation between team owner Robert Kraft and Belichick rather than a formal search process. Kraft publicly announced Belichick as his choice, and league regulations made it simpler to sign Belichick without a formal search.
Certainly, the regulations have changed, and they will conduct a formal search. However, it is difficult to imagine that the Patriots won’t appoint Eliot Wolf as the next head of football operations in Foxborough.
