New England Patriots head coach Mike Vrabel is stepping away from the team for the third day of the NFL Draft to seek counseling, following the emergence of multiple photos showing him with former NFL reporter Dianna Russini. The 2025 NFL Coach of the Year acknowledged Thursday that his "previous actions don't meet the standard that I hold myself to" as the scandal surrounding his personal life continues to intensify.
Vrabel, who led the Patriots to an improbable Super Bowl LX appearance in his first season at the helm, will not be with the team on Saturday when Rounds 4 through 7 of the NFL Draft are conducted. The Patriots currently hold eight picks in those rounds, including two in the fourth round. Executive vice president of player personnel Eliot Wolf will oversee the team's draft operations in Vrabel's absence.
How the Scandal Unfolded: From Arizona Resort to Accountability
The controversy began in late March when the New York Post obtained and published photos of Vrabel and Russini together at an adults-only resort in Sedona, Arizona, just prior to the NFL's annual league meetings. The images showed the pair sunbathing by a pool, in a hot tub, and holding hands on the rooftop of a bungalow. Both Vrabel and Russini, who is also married, initially denied any wrongdoing. Vrabel dismissed the photos as "laughable" and "completely innocent."
However, the story escalated dramatically when additional photos surfaced. On Wednesday, the New York Post published images of Vrabel and Russini having breakfast together at the same Arizona resort. The following day, the Post released a photo appearing to show the pair kissing at a New York City bar in 2020. Shortly after, TMZ published photos of Vrabel and Russini together at a Mississippi casino in early 2024, shortly after Vrabel was fired by the Tennessee Titans. The Athletic launched an investigation into Russini's conduct, leading to her resignation on April 14. Russini has not commented publicly since leaving the outlet.
Timeline: How Events Spun Out of Control
Late March 2026 - Vrabel attends NFL annual meeting in Phoenix. New York Post contacts Vrabel seeking comment on photos taken at a nearby Sedona resort showing him with Dianna Russini.
March 31 - Vrabel returns to Massachusetts. The Post publishes the first set of photos. Vrabel calls the situation "laughable."
Early April - The Athletic launches an investigation into Russini's conduct as an NFL reporter.
April 14 - Dianna Russini resigns from The Athletic. The outlet's executive editor says "new questions were raised" after additional information was uncovered.
April 21 - Vrabel addresses reporters for the first time, saying he's had "difficult conversations" with his family and the organization.
April 22 - The New York Post publishes more photos of Vrabel and Russini at the Arizona resort. Vrabel releases a statement saying he will seek counseling.
April 23 - The Post releases a 2020 photo of Vrabel and Russini kissing at a NYC bar. TMZ releases casino photos from 2024. Vrabel takes questions at a press conference, saying "my previous actions don't meet the standard that I hold myself to."
April 24 (Saturday) - Vrabel will be away from the team for Day 3 of the NFL Draft to begin counseling.
Why This Matters: A Coach's Fall from Grace
Vrabel's sudden fall from grace is particularly striking given his remarkable 2025 season. After taking over a Patriots franchise that had endured three straight losing seasons and consecutive 4-13 campaigns, Vrabel engineered one of the most dramatic turnarounds in recent NFL history. New England won the AFC East, captured the conference championship, and appeared in Super Bowl LX. Vrabel was named the 2025 NFL Coach of the Year, cementing his status as one of the league's premier head coaches.
Before his tenure in New England, Vrabel spent six seasons as head coach of the Tennessee Titans, guiding the franchise to four winning seasons and multiple playoff appearances. He was fired after back-to-back losing campaigns in 2022 and 2023. A former Patriots linebacker himself, Vrabel won three Super Bowl rings as a player in New England under Bill Belichick and was inducted into the Patriots Hall of Fame.
The scandal has drawn reactions from across the NFL. Former players and analysts have weighed in, with many expressing surprise at the rapid escalation of events. Vrabel has maintained his commitment to the Patriots organization, telling reporters Thursday that he remains confident in the team's draft process despite his absence. "I can only say that whatever my family needs, that's what I'm going to provide. But I also understand what's needed for me here," Vrabel said when asked if he might miss additional football activities beyond Saturday.
Where Things Stand Now
The Patriots issued a statement expressing full support for their head coach. "The New England Patriots fully support Mike Vrabel's decision to prioritize his family first, as well as his own well-being," the team said. "Mike has been open with us about his commitment to being the best version of himself for his family, this team and our fans, and we respect the steps he is taking to follow through on that commitment."
Vrabel, 50, has been married to his wife Jennifer since 1999. The couple met as student-athletes at Ohio State University and celebrated their 25th wedding anniversary with a trip to Italy in 2024. They have two sons together. According to ESPN, Vrabel plans to spend the weekend with his family outside of Massachusetts. "As I said the other day, I promised my family, this organization and this team that I was going to give them the best version of me that I can possibly give them," Vrabel said in a statement released Wednesday night. "In order to do so, I have committed to seeking counseling, starting this weekend."
What Happens Next for Vrabel and the Patriots
Despite the severity of the situation, there have been no indications that Vrabel's job is in jeopardy. The Patriots have publicly backed their head coach, and his track record of success — both as a player and coach — provides significant organizational capital. However, Vrabel himself left the door open for additional time away from the team when asked Thursday whether he might miss more football activities beyond Saturday. "I can't answer that," he replied. "I can only say that whatever my family needs, that's what I'm going to provide."
The counseling Vrabel has committed to is reportedly aimed at both personal improvement and saving his marriage. The coach will rejoin the team after the weekend, though the exact timeline remains uncertain. For now, the Patriots are moving forward with their draft plans under Wolf's direction, while one of the NFL's most successful recent head coaches works to rebuild trust with his family, his players, and the organization he helped return to prominence.
Key Takeaways from the Vrabel Story
- Mike Vrabel will miss Day 3 of the NFL Draft (Saturday) to begin counseling after multiple photos emerged showing him with former NFL reporter Dianna Russini.
- Russini resigned from The Athletic on April 14 amid an investigation into her conduct following the initial photo leak.
- Vrabel initially dismissed the photos as "laughable" but has since acknowledged his actions and expressed remorse.
- The Patriots have fully supported Vrabel's decision to prioritize his family and seek professional help.
- Eliot Wolf will handle the Patriots' Day 3 draft selections in Vrabel's absence.
