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The conversation surrounding the Rooney Rule has reignited amidst these coaching changes. Many critics argue that the recent interviews conducted by teams—a mandatory requirement under the Rule—were merely box-checking exercises. The Patriots interviewed two minority candidates, Byron Leftwich and Pep Hamilton, both of whom have fallen out of the spotlight in recent discussions for head coach positions. Critics claim this undermines the intent of the Rooney Rule, as it appears to highlight a compliance measure rather than a genuine effort to diversify coaching staff.