The New England Patriots are interviewing former Tampa Bay Buccaneers offensive coordinator Byron Leftwich as a head coaching candidate, The Athletic's

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

Robert Kraft and the New England Patriots ... shape, or form before. Byron Leftwich is interviewing for the New Patriots head coaching job today, I’m told. Leftwich is a name that has come ...

This comes two days after New England's owner Robert Kraft announced that head coach Jerod Mayo was fired, following the team's disappointing 4-13 season.

The New England Patriots are interviewing Byron Leftwich for their head coaching vacancy ... the No. 4 overall selection in April's NFL draft, and Patriots owner Robert Kraft seems to be moving quickly to get a new head coach in place.

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

Byron Leftwich recently confirmed his intention of returning to the NFL, and he has at least one suitor interested in speaking with him about a head coaching position. Leftwich will meet with the Patriots, Mike Jones of The Athletic reports.

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

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:

The opening to New England Patriots owner Robert Kraft's press conference ... The Patriots also reportedly interviewed Byron Leftwich and Pep Hamilton for the job.

The Patriots announced that the team had completed interviews with Byron Leftwich and Pep Hamilton ... This comes two days after New England's owner, Robert Kraft, announced that head coach ...

Super Bowl champion Ryan Clark blasted the New England Patriots on "Inside the NFL" for how they complied with the NFL's Rooney Rule when they hired Mike Vrabel.