One NFL Insider called the Patriots' head coaching search a "sham" aimed at circumventing the league's Rooney Rule

The Patriots turned to Vrabel after their quick coaching search wrapped up just seven days after the team fired Jerod Mayo.

The Patriots are searching for a new coach after firing Jerod Mayo on Sunday following a brutal first season at the helm.

The Patriots have requested to speak to a fifth head coaching candidate.

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:

Patriots owner Robert Kraft has hired Mike Vrabel but Lions DC Aaron Glenn made a point about the Rooney Rule in the process.

January 7 - The New England Patriots are interviewing Byron Leftwich for their head ... and Patriots owner Robert Kraft seems to be moving quickly to get a new head coach in place.

The New England Patriots have hired Mike Vrabel as their next head coach. The team announced the hiring Sunday morning. It comes a week after Patriots owner Robert Kraft fired Jerod Mayo after the team’s season finale victory over the Buffalo Bills to finish 4-13 in his lone season as coach.

Robert Kraft stayed true to his word that ... New England also spoke with former Tampa Bay Buccaneers offensive coordinator Byron Leftwich and former Houston Texans offensive coordinator Pep ...