New England Patriots head coach Mike Vrabel returned to his duties Monday following a two-day absence during which he sought family counseling after controversy erupted over his relationship with former sports journalist Dianna Russini.
The 50-year-old coach was spotted at Salt Lake City’s airport on Saturday while the NFL draft’s final rounds were taking place.
According to ESPN, Vrabel maintained ongoing communication through email and text with the Patriots organization throughout his time away and has now resumed his complete coaching duties. However, team officials painted a different picture, with vice president of player personnel Eliot Wolf stating the organization deliberately limited contact to give Vrabel space.
“We kind of talked through things and made the decision that the time away really needs to be time away, so we were not in contact with Mike (Saturday) other than some just, ‘Hope everything’s going OK’ kind of texts early (in the) morning,” Wolf explained.
Vrabel acknowledged the need for family counseling after the alleged affair became public knowledge.
“This is what I have to do to be the best husband, father and coach that I possibly can be. This is not an easy thing for me to admit, but it is one that I know will make me a better person,” he stated.
Both Vrabel and Russini are married to other people. The New York Post released photographs showing the pair together in Sedona, Arizona, prior to league meetings in Phoenix last month. Following an internal investigation by The Athletic’s parent company, the New York Times, Russini stepped down from her position as the publication’s top NFL reporter.
Last Tuesday, Vrabel addressed the media directly about the situation and its aftermath.
NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell announced during the draft that the league will not pursue disciplinary action or additional investigation under its off-field conduct policies.
Vrabel took over as Patriots head coach before the 2025 season, returning to the franchise where he once played. Under his leadership, New England reached Super Bowl LX, though they fell to the Seattle Seahawks 29-13.
Last season marked Vrabel’s second AP NFL Coach of the Year recognition, adding to his first award in 2021 during his tenure with Tennessee. He served as the Titans’ head coach from 2018 through 2023.
