A high-ranking person in the Bengals declines to be interviewed for the Patriots' search for a new general manager

The New England Patriots have started looking for a new leader for their football operations role. With the head of scouting Eliot Wolf taking over the general manager role since Bill Belichick’s departure this off-season, Wolf seems like a probable choice for the position.

However, the Patriots must follow the rule of interviewing at least two external minority candidates. Many realize that Wolf is likely the top choice for the Patriots after coordinating an important off-season, so it may be difficult to get other strong candidates from outside to agree to an interview. Rooney Rule, which requires the interview of at least two external minority candidates. Many are aware that Wolf is probably the first choice for the Patriots after managing such an important off-season, so it may be challenging to get good candidates from outside to agree to an interview.

Cincinnati Bengals‘ senior personnel executive Trey Brown reportedly declined the Patriots’ interview request, as per Tom Pelissero of NFL Media. The reason for Brown’s decision is undisclosed, raising questions, especially since Wolf is widely seen as the top candidate.

Brown has been considered for a general manager role, having had three prior interviews for such positions, including with the Bills in May 2017, the Raiders in December 2018, and again with the Raiders in January 2022.

Brown started his career in New England

Returning to New England would be like coming home for Trey Brown, who began his front-office career as a scout for the Patriots. After his time in New England, Brown had a significant role with the Philadelphia Eagles, eventually becoming the director of college scouting. After brief stints in other football leagues and a transition to the Cincinnati Bengals in 2021 as a scout, he was promoted to senior personnel executive within a year. AAF and XFL, Brown switched to the Cincinnati Bengals in 2021, starting as a scout. Within a year, he was promoted to senior personnel executive.

Brown was involved with the Bengals during the team’s comeback on the field, and his efforts earned him recognition within the organization. He has been seen as a valuable talent in the NFL executive world for a while. Despite not securing a general manager role yet, his track record and potential have made him a top candidate for future general manager positions, as mentioned by Tom Pelissero.

Apart from Wolf, are the Patriots an attractive place to work?

Eliot Wolf’s significant contributions to managing the team and salary cap strategies recently, highlighted by the bold decision to draft a quarterback as the third overall pick, make him a leading contender, if not the top choice, for the role. With Wolf leading the Patriots during the past off-season, does that make the Patriots less appealing for potential general manager candidates? Drake Maye Even with the Patriots starting a new rebuild and having a rookie head coach trying to fill big shoes, maybe this isn’t a very sought-after option.

Perhaps some less experienced candidates might take the interview for the experience. However, it's hard to imagine that any serious candidates for general manager positions around the NFL would eagerly interview for a position that seems to already belong to an executive in the organization.

The Patriots are still looking for a new general manager because a high-ranking Bengals official has said no to interviewing for the job.