Patriots officially name Wolf head of front office

The New England Patriots named Eliot Wolf executive vice president of player personnel Saturday.

Wolf will act as New England's de facto general manager, overseeing the personnel department and controlling the 53-man roster.

The 42-year-old led the team's personnel department this offseason following Bill Belichick's departure, but New England wanted to assess his fit with the team while looking at outside candidates.

"As I have stated multiple times during the offseason, the plan was to observe the working relationship and involvement between Eliot and (head coach) Jerod (Mayo) and see how they managed our offseason personnel decisions," said Patriots owner Robert Kraft.

"Then, following the draft, we would formally undertake a process for setting up the permanent structure of our personnel department. I have been impressed with Eliot's management style and experience and I'm excited that he has agreed to take on this new position."

Wolf's role appeared secure when he was allowed to make a franchise-altering decision at the top of the draft, taking quarterback Drake Maye at No. 3 overall.

The executive spent the last five seasons with the Patriots, serving the last two as director of scouting. He acted as the Cleveland Browns' assistant general manager from 2018-19 following a 14-year stint with the Green Bay Packers.

"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 want to thank my family, especially my wife and children, for the support and strength they have given me as I move forward in my new role. I also want to thank all of the people I have worked with and learned from over the years."

New England was previously one of the few remaining teams giving its coach front-office control, but will now move forward with a conventional setup after moving on from Belichick and hiring Mayo in January.