The search for a new General Manager by the Patriots has led to questions about their compliance with the Rooney Rule. While teams are required to report the names of individuals they interview to the league, they are not obligated to make this information public. Some candidates prefer their names to remain confidential, which is within their rights.
According to a league spokesman, the Patriots were required to comply with the Rooney Rule when filling the position. They had previously adhered to this rule before the draft due to the absence of a specific person in the primary personnel position. However, some potential candidates declined to interview, possibly assuming Eliot Wolf would be selected for the job.
Despite maintaining secrecy about specific names, it would be more appropriate for teams like the Patriots to publicly announce all candidates who have not requested anonymity. Contrary to what some may believe, teams do not need to disclose any information regarding their efforts to comply with the Rooney Rule publicly. They only need to report this information to the league. Maintaining secrecy may not be ideal for potential candidates in a significant job like this.