The Patriots are scheduled to interview Mike Vrabel on Thursday and are also expected to virtually interview Lions offensive coordinator Ben Johnson later this week.

According to NFL Network, Lions defensive coordinator Aaron Glenn has declined an interview request from the Patriots.

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

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

The Patriots concluded their interview with Ben Johnson for their head-coaching vacancy and have no other known meetings scheduled.

The Patriots are searching for a new coach after firing Jerod Mayo on Sunday following a brutal first season at the helm.

Lions OC Ben Johnson interviewed well with the Patriots but plans to meet with other teams. Meanwhile, the Patriots are pushing for a quick resolution to their HC search, per source. Many around the league expect a decision this weekend.

The New England Patriots could be on the verge of hiring their next coach after completing an interview with Detroit Lions offensive coordinator Ben Johnson on Friday, the fourth candidate to be brought in as part of the search to fill the vacancy created by the firing of Jerod Mayo.

Former Patriots offensive coordinator Josh McDaniels, who was in the Patriots’ organization with Vrabel from 2001 to 2008, is considered a candidate for the job. It would be McDaniels’ third go-around with the title.

Josh Allen and Lamar Jackson were both first-round picks, and are both on a Hall of Fame track. They also share the same legacy of not having won enough in the postseason.

The Patriots are hiring former player Mike Vrabel as their next head coach, the team announced Sunday. Read more on Boston.com.