In an effort to fill the void left by the departure of their legendary head coach Bill Belichick, the New England Patriots have embarked on a search for a new football operations chief. Having opted not to hire a new head of personnel immediately after bidding farewell to Belichick following the 2023 season, the Patriots are now ready to commence their quest for the right candidate, according to CBS Sports' Jonathan Jones.

The exact title for the position is yet to be determined, with the team considering various options. While Director of scouting Eliot Wolf has effectively fulfilled the role of General Manager since Belichick's departure, league regulations prohibit the Patriots from directly promoting him. As a result, they are required to interview two external minority candidates in order to comply with the Rooney Rule.

This marks the first time since the year 2000, when Belichick took on both the head coach and personnel positions, that the Patriots have initiated a formal search to fill this crucial role within the organization. The team's decision to meticulously evaluate potential candidates reflects their commitment to finding the right individual to guide their football operations going forward.

While the search is still in its early stages, it is expected that Eliot Wolf will be a strong contender for the role. Known for his extensive experience and expertise in scouting, Wolf's contributions to the Patriots' personnel decisions have been invaluable. Nevertheless, the team will explore external candidates as they strive to identify the most suitable candidate for the position.

With an illustrious history marked by sustained success, the New England Patriots are determined to secure a football operations chief who will continue their winning legacy. As the search process unfolds, fans and analysts alike wait in anticipation to see who will take on this prominent role within the organization for the first time in over two decades.