Patriots Interview Ex-Steelers Scout for GM Opening

The New England Patriots are interviewing former Pittsburgh Steelers executive Brandon Hunt for their general manager opening, according to a report by Diana Russini of The Athletic.

A graduate of Pine-Richland High School and Indiana University of Pennsylvania, Hunt had two stings with the Steelers, as an intern from 2005-06, and then as pro scouting coordinator from 2009-22.

In his latter role, Hunt became one of the top assistants to general manager Kevin Colbert, and he was seen as a top candidate to replace Colbert when the team ultimately decided on current GM Omar Khan.

Hunt left the Steelers in 2022, taking a job with the Philadelphia Eagles, serving as director of scouting under general manager Howie Roseman.

Pittsburgh Steelers director of scouting Brandon Hunt at the Pitt pro day on May 22, 2022. — David Hague / Pittsburgh Sports Now

The Patriots have not had a general manager since 1990, though they have had top executives with other titles, most recently Scott Pioli, who was vice president of player personnel from 2000-08.

Bill Belichick was the team’s de facto general manger from then until his firing earlier this offseason. Director of scouting Elliot Wolf ran the team’s draft and has been considered the most likely candidate to step into the job. New head coach Jerod Mayo will not absorb that part of Belichick’s responsibilities.

Our colleague Dan Kelly of Patriots Football Now expects Wolf to be named the team’s next general manager, but the Patriots must comply with the Rooney Rule by interviewing at least two external minority candidates.

Hunt, who is Black, would represent one such interview. Hunt was a general manager candidate before being considered in Pittsburgh, interviewing with the Las Vegas Raiders in 2022.