Patriots Tracker: Latest Reports, Rumors Amid Head Coaching Search

The Patriots embark on their first coaching search in more than two decades, and owner Robert Kraft expressed New England wants to get it right.

That means turning over some rocks and meeting with the top coaching candidates, which the franchise did not do last offseason before promoting Jerod Mayo. Mayo, however, was fired after one year at the helm due to the obvious on-field regression.

We’ve compiled the latest reports and rumors in one place for Patriots fans, especially since early indications are New England will be active during the process.

Wednesday, Jan. 8:
10:12 a.m.: It Patriots-related news, the Las Vegas Raiders reportedly have requested interviews with Detroit Lions offensive coordinator Ben Johnson and defensive coordinator Aaron Glenn, according to Sports Illustrated’s Albert Breer. New England reportedly has an interview lined up with Johnson,

Tuesday, Jan. 7:
4:59 p.m.: It previously was reported the Patriots had an interview lined up with Mike Vrabel, and NFL Media’s Ian Rapoport reported that interview will take place Thursday.

4:28 p.m.: The Patriots announced they completed interviews with Byron Leftwich and Pep Hamilton for the organization’s head coach position. In doing so, they satisfied the Rooney Rule and now are able to hire their next head coach at any time.

1:35 p.m.: The Patriots interviewed longtime NFL assistant Pep Hamilton, according to NFL Media’s Tom Pelissero and Ian Rapoport. Hamilton is very high on Patriots quarterback Joe Milton III.

1:25 p.m.: Brian Flores, a former Patriots assistant and current Vikings coordinator, confirmed he’d grant an interview request should the organization request it.

12:58 p.m.: Well, Patriots fans have learned of the first surprise name. The Patriots will interview Byron Leftwich for its head-coaching position, according to The Athletic’s Mike Jones.

12:28 p.m: The Patriots will interview Mike Vrabel for their head coaching position this week, according to MassLive’s Mark Daniels.

10:41 p.m.: Ben Johnson, who reportedly will interview with the Patriots, received an interview request from the Jacksonville Jaguars, according to the team.

Monday, Jan. 6:
12:38 p.m.: A half-dozen league executives believe Mike Vrabel will land the Patriots head coaching position, according to Boston Sports Journal’s Mike Giardi.

11:06 a.m.: The Patriots requested to interview Detroit Lions offensive coordinator Ben Johnson, according to Sports Illustrated’s Albert Breer. Johnson is one of the top coaching candidates this offseason.

9:20 a.m.: The Athletic’s Chad Graff reported Mike Vrabel has “shown interest” in New England’s potential vacancy in recent weeks.

Sunday, Jan. 5
6:53 p.m.: ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler floated Tampa Bay Buccaneers offensive coordinator Liam Cohen as a potential candidate. Fowler later mentioned Mike Vrabel and Brian Flores as candidates in the “wide-ranging” search, as well.

6:24 p.m.: Not long after the firing of Mayo, ESPN’s Mike Reiss was the first to report the Patriots were expected to interview Mike Vrabel. The Athletic’s Chad Graff used the term “front-runner” to describe Vrabel.