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.

During the latest edition of his "The Right Time" podcast, sports journalist Bomani Jones defended the Patriots even though it's now clear New England was always going to hire Patriots Hall of Famer and one-time Associated Press Coach of the Year Award winner Mike Vrabel for the job.

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.

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

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

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 ...

Robert Kraft stayed true to his word by moving quickly to reach a deal with Mike Vrabel, a former New England linebacker, as the Patriots' new 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 ...