Report: Patriots starting search for de facto GM

The New England Patriots have begun the formal process to name a new head of personnel, sources told CBS Sports' Jonathan Jones.

The Patriots sent out interview requests Monday, a source told The Boston Herald's Doug Kyed.

Cincinnati Bengals senior personnel executive Trey Brown declined a request to interview for the role, a source told NFL Network's Tom Pelissero.

New England didn't promote or hire anyone to fill its top football executive role following Bill Belichick's departure. The six-time Super Bowl winner served as both head coach and head of personnel over 24 seasons in New England. The franchise hasn't given out the "general manager" title under Robert Kraft's ownership.

It's unclear what title the top executive will have.

Director of scouting Eliot Wolf served as the de facto GM during free agency and the NFL draft. He's considered the front-runner to remain the franchise's head of personnel.

The Patriots must conduct a formal search that complies with the league's Rooney Rule. This means New England must interview at least two external minority candidates in person before making a hire. A provision in Jerod Mayo's contract allowed the club to promote him to head coach without conducting a formal search.

Kraft said in January that the franchise planned to stick with his internal group but didn't rule out a search at a later date.

The Patriots drafted quarterback Drake Maye with the third overall selection to be the future face of the franchise. Under Wolf, New England also addressed its depth at wide receiver and on the offensive line this offseason.