New England Patriots head coach Mike Vrabel hit another setback after being embroiled in the Arizona holiday photo scandal.
Vrable will speak on Tuesday, April 21 after New York Post posted photos of him vacationing with former Athletic NFL reporter Dianna Russini at an Arizona resort on April 7, 2026.
Patriots coach Vrabel will now be unavailable to the Patriots prior to the NFL Day 3 draft scheduled for Saturday, April 25, 2026 due to seeking personal health support.
Vrable, who sought personal counseling, revealed that “Like I said the other day, I promised my family, this organization and this team that I would give them the best version of me that I possibly can give them.”
Revealing why he believes he needs to focus on his wellbeing, he said: “To do that I have committed to seeking counseling from this weekend.
“This is something I’ve given a lot of thought to and it’s something I would advise a player to do if I was advising them.”
While taking a “family comes first” approach, Vrabel explained, “I’ve always wanted to lead by example, and I believe that’s what I need to do to be the best husband, father and coach I can possibly be.”
It’s not an easy thing for me to admit, but it’s something that I know will make me a better person. I appreciate the support everyone has given me and promise a stronger resolve as a result,” Vrabel added.
For the uninitiated, Vrabel made a public appearance and addressed the media on Tuesday, April 21, for the first time since NYP carried snaps that appeared to show the Patriots coach vacationing with NFL reporter Dianna Russini at an Arizona resort.
However, Vrabel dismissed the rumors by telling reporters that it was a “personal and private matter.”
The Patriots enter the NFL draft with 11 picks, with the No. 13 pick in the first round.
While eight of their picks are on the final day of the draft, two in the fourth round, one in the fifth, four in the sixth and one in the seventh round on Saturday, April 25.
