Wolf of Foxboro? No Longer Under Belichick's Control, Patriots Reveal New Front Office Power

After a quarter-century of having one man - Bill Belichick - in control of their personnel, the New England Patriots are now handing the reins to new general manager Eliot Wolf and his staff.

As the New England Patriots continue to round out the staff of newly-installed head coach Jerod Mayo, their front office is beginning to take shape as well. 

While they have yet to officially name a general manager, the Patriots personnel department, per a Wednesday afternoon NFL Network report, will operate under director of scouting Eliot Wolf in 2024. The news comes on the heels of multiple reports indicating that Wolf had been playing a prominent role in the selection of Mayo’s staff. 

Additionally, director of player personnel Matt Groh will be reassigned to leading the collegiate scouting department, while maintaining an integral role in the team’s operations. Pat Stewart, who returned to the team’s front office in 2022, will also remain in New England in an all-encompassing capacity. 

“It appears Eliot Wolf will be in charge of the personnel department, with control of the 53-man roster working closely with Jerod Mayo, wrote NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport. “Matt Groh will mostly handle college scouting, with Pat Stewart heavily involved in all aspects.”

In essence, the Patriots front office will adopt a collaborative approach to the start of the NFL year on March 9, including free agency and the Draft. Still, the nature of the Network’s report strongly insinuates that Wolf will be the alpha voice in the Pats front office in the post-Bill Belichick era. 

Eliot Wolf

Since 2022, Wolf has served as the Patriots Director of Scouting — becoming the first to hold the title in the organization. He originally joined the team prior to the 2020 season, where he worked alongside Belichick in the team’s front office. He has handled scouting duties, as well as holding the role of player personnel consultant. According to those within the organization, Wolf worked closely with both Belichick and former general manager Dave Ziegler in constructing New England’s 2021 roster. In addition to acting as a key Draft consultant, Wolf was heavily involved in the Pats’ pursuit of several notable free agents, including linebacker Matthew Judon, wide receiver Kendrick Bourne and tight end Hunter Henry.

The 41-year old has plenty of pedigree for the role, as the the son of Hall of Fame executive Ron Wolf, who built a Super Bowl champion for the Packers and contributed to others with the Raiders organization. Wolf has also spent time with both the Green Bay Packers and Cleveland Browns, holding executive titles in both scouting and assistant general manager. Since Mayo’s hiring, Wolf was intricately involved in the interview process for his assistants. New Patriots offensive coordinator Alex Van Pelt, offensive assistant Ben McAdoo and defensive line coach Jerry Montgomery have all worked with Wolf during their mutual time with either (or both) the Green Bay Packers and Cleveland Browns. 

Matt Groh

As New England’s current director of player personnel, Groh has just finished his 13th season with the Patriots. However, his close ties to Belichick make his retention a long shot. He served as the team’s college scouting director in 2021, having spent the previous 10 years in New England's scouting department. His insight and influence helped to craft a stellar draft haul just one year ago. Quarterback Mac Jones, defensive tackle Christian Barmore and running back Rhamondre Stevenson were among the standouts of New England’s 2021 Draft class, which was ranked first in the NFL by Pro Football Focus.

Accordingly, Groh was the main presence scouting presence at this year’s Senior Bowl in Mobile, and is expected to remain as such for the 2024 NFL Scouting Combine in Indianapolis later this month. 

Patrick Stewart

Stewart’s return allows him to continue his second tour of duty in New England. He previously spent 10 seasons — from 2007 through 2017 — with the Patriots, celebrating two Super Bowl championships with the club in 2014 (XLIX) and 2016 (LI).

Originally arriving in New England as a scouting assistant, Stewart was promoted to area scout in 2009. Just one year later, he became a pro scout; a role he would maintain through 2013. Stewart returned to his previous job as an area scout in 2014, remaining as such until 2017. Stewart then left New England to join the Philadelphia Eagles. He served as a national scout for two years before joining the Carolina Panthers as director of player personnel prior to the 2020 season, working closely with then-head coach Matt Rhule, with whom Stewart had a close connection. Despite being promoted to vice president in 2021, he was relieved of his duties in February, essentially coinciding with the hiring of new head coach Frank Reich. 

Mayo Hired, GM Wanted: Leading Patriots Candidates?

In addition to Groh and Stewart, Wolf will also work closely with former University of Miami general manager Alonzo Highsmith, and ex Houston Texans associate director of football administration Bobby Brown —  both of which are reportedly expected to join New England in yet-to-be-determined front office positions. 

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