The New England Patriots' search for a new head football executive hit another roadblock on Tuesday, as two potential candidates declined the opportunity to interview with the organization. Quentin Harris, former vice president of player personnel for the Arizona Cardinals, and Terrance Gray, current director of player personnel for the Buffalo Bills, have both expressed disinterest in pursuing the open position, according to reports by CBS Sports' Jonathan Jones and Sports Illustrated's Albert Breer.

This recent development leaves the Patriots 0-for-3 in their attempts to secure interview requests. Trey Brown, an executive for the Cincinnati Bengals who had ties to New England, also turned down the opportunity. While each candidate's situation is unique, there seems to be a prevailing sentiment across the league that the Patriots are planning to promote director of player personnel Eliot Wolf. However, in order to comply with league requirements, the team must complete a formal interview process.

According to the NFL's Rooney Rule, teams are obligated to personally meet with at least two external minority and/or female candidates for positions such as the primary football executive role that the New England Patriots are seeking to fill. As of Tuesday, no interviews have taken place, which raises concerns about the team's compliance with this rule.

Quentin Harris, who had spent the last 16 years in the Cardinals' scouting department, steadily climbed up the ranks before being promoted to vice president of player personnel in 2021. However, the team decided to part ways with him in February, leaving him on the open market since then. Harris's experience and expertise in player personnel would have made him a strong candidate for the Patriots.

Terrance Gray, on the other hand, joined the Buffalo Bills in 2017 after previous stints in Kansas City and Minnesota. He initially served as the director of college scouting before working his way up to assistant director of player personnel in 2020, and eventually director of player personnel in 2022. Gray's extensive experience and knowledge in player evaluation and talent management would have made him a valuable asset for the Patriots.

With the search for a new head football executive at a standstill and candidates declining interview opportunities, the New England Patriots find themselves facing challenges in securing the right individual for the role. As they continue their search, it remains to be seen how the team will navigate the NFL's requirements, including complying with the Rooney Rule.