Eliot Wolf is officially named de facto GM of the Patriots and gains new title originally appeared in NBC Sports Boston
As expected, Eliot Wolf will lead the New England Patriots front office for the foreseeable future.
The Patriots ended their brief search for a de facto general manager on Saturday, officially naming Wolf their “executive vice president of player personnel.” Wolf’s responsibilities will include “overall direction of the personnel department, management of the salary cap and control of the 53-player roster,” according to the team.
The Patriots’ announcement included the following statement from team owner Robert Kraft:
“As I stated several times during the offseason, the plan was to observe the working relationship and engagement between Eliot and Jerod (Mayo) and see how they handled our offseason personnel decisions. establishing the permanent structure of our personnel department, I was impressed with Eliot’s management style and experience and am thrilled that he has agreed to take on this new position.”
Wolf unofficially took over as leader of the New England front office following Bill Belichick’s departure in January. The 41-year-old navigated the Patriots through NFL free agency as well as the draft, during which the team selected UNC quarterback Drake Maye with the third overall pick.
Before making Wolf’s promotion official, the Patriots had to satisfy the NFL’s Rooney Rule by interviewing at least two minority candidates for the position. They completed interviews with former Carolina Panthers boss Samir Suleiman and Philadelphia Eagles executive Brandon Hunt, but Wolf was considered the overwhelming favorite from the start.
“It is an honor to accept this position with the New England Patriots,” said Wolf. “I am grateful to the Kraft family for this opportunity and I want to thank my family, especially my wife and children, for the support and strength they have given me as I have moved forward in my new role. I also want to thank all the people I have been with worked with and learned from over the years.”
Wolf has no shortage of NFL front office experience. He originally joined the Green Bay Packers as a pro personnel assistant in 2004. He rose through the ranks at Green Bay, becoming the director of football operations in his final two seasons with the team in 2016 and 2017. Before joining the Patriots, Wolf served as assistant general manager of the Cleveland Browns in 2018 and 2019.
Wolf’s promotion marks the beginning of a new era in Foxboro. Other than Scott Pioli (2000-08), only Belichick has had control over personnel decisions over the past 24 years.
