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

During the latest edition of his "The Right Time" podcast, sports journalist Bomani Jones defended the Patriots even though it's now clear New England was always going to hire Patriots Hall of Famer and one-time Associated Press Coach of the Year Award winner Mike Vrabel for the job.

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

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.

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.

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

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 ...

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:

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

The Patriots have requested to speak to a fifth head coaching candidate.

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 ...