A Buffalo Bills executive has turned down an opportunity to interview for the General Manager position with the New England Patriots. Currently, the Patriots’ front office situation is in flux, with Eliot Wolf serving as the de facto General Manager and Director of Scouting, following the departure of long-time head coach and quasi-GM Bill Belichick from the sidelines.
During Belichick’s tenure, there was never an official General Manager, and now the organization is working to stabilize its front office structure. Despite an invitation, Terrance Gray, Director of Player Personnel for the Bills, declined to interview for the primary football executive role in New England. This decision likely stems from the expectation that Wolf will ultimately secure the position. Wolf has been leading the team through key processes like free agency and the draft, although he has not yet been officially named as the permanent General Manager. The Patriots are required to adhere to the Rooney Rule and conduct a full interview process before making a final decision.
Wolf has emphasized that the management of the team is a collaborative effort, although he has been the key decision-maker during the draft, including the selection of Drake Maye. It would appear peculiar to allow Wolf to guide significant franchise-altering decisions and then not offer him the job following this process.
