I believe prior to last year, teams could have in-person interviews with 2 minority candidates from non-playoff teams prior to January 20th. However, they couldn't do those same interviews with candidates that were on playoff teams. Obviously, this was completely unfair and essentially penalized candidates from being part of a playoff team. So last year, the Rooney Rule was changed so that no candidates from any NFL team could interview until the divisional round or January 20th.
The Patriots interviewed two candidates that have been out of the league, and slipped through the cracks of the new rule. They might as well have interviewed 2 minorities that were shopping at Bass Pro Shop at Patriot Place. There is probably zero chance either of those guys gets another interviewed from another team because their simply not viable candidates.
As far as them getting permission to interview Aaron Glenn now, it might be completely irrelevant. They can simply hire Vrabel tomorrow and the Glenn interview could simply be canceled because they already interviewed 2 minority candidates.
They should do a thorough search. I like Vrabel, but part of me is afraid that he may be too much like Belichick and nothing will change. Don't get me wrong, I like Bill, but the toxicity of the front office wreaks of his influence and that definitely needs to change. This team needs new ideas, and I'm not sure Vrabel can provide that.