Mike Vrabel Photo Scandal: Patriots Coach Takes Leave, Russini Resigns From The Athletic
Patriots coach Mike Vrabel takes indefinite leave after photos with Dianna Russini. Russini resigns as The Athletic investigates. Vrabel led Pats to 14-3 in 2025.
Mike Vrabel to take break after New England Patriots coach caught in photo scandal...
New England Patriots head coach Mike Vrabel announced Thursday he is taking an indefinite leave of absence to seek counseling amid controversy over his connection to a female journalist.
Vrabel, who is married, has denied any wrongdoing after photos surfaced showing him embracing and holding hands with The Athletic NFL reporter Dianna Russini at an adults-only resort pool in Arizona last month.
Russini, who is also married, has denied any wrongdoing. She later resigned from her role at The Athletic after the outlet opened an investigation into the incident.
Speaking about the controversy earlier this week, Vrabel said he’d had “difficult conversations” with his family, the Patriots organization, coaches, and players, describing those discussions as “positive and productive.”
However, in a statement to ESPN late Wednesday, Vrabel said he had decided to step away from his position to start counseling this weekend.
The move means Vrabel will not be with the Patriots staff for the third round of the NFL Draft on Saturday.
“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 was quoted as saying in the statement.
More Photos of Patriots Coach Vrabel Surface
“In order to do so, I have committed to seeking counseling, starting this weekend. This is something that I have given a lot of thought to and is something I would advise a player to do if I was counseling them.
“I have always wanted to lead by example, and I believe 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.“
Vrabel’s statement followed the New York Post’s Thursday publication of new photos appearing to show the coach and Russini kissing at a New York bar in 2020.
Speaking to reporters at a press conference ahead of Thursday’s NFL Draft, Vrabel declined to give a timeline for his return, saying he was focused on giving his family and the Patriots “the best version of me.”
“That's what we're going to do, and that has started, that'll continue this weekend, and it'll continue for however long it takes for me to give them and to complete that,” Vrabel said.
“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.”
#Patriots have released this statement on HC Mike Vrabel:
— Ari Meirov (@MySportsUpdate) April 23, 2026
The New England Patriots fully support Mike Vrabel’s decision to prioritize his family and his own well-being. Mike has been open with us about his commitment to being the best version of himself for his family, this… https://t.co/bM4s4BLtrk pic.twitter.com/qF6WJjQwIv
Meanwhile, the Patriots put out a statement Thursday in support of Vrabel.
“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.”
A three-time Super Bowl winner with the Patriots during his playing days alongside Tom Brady, Vrabel has helped reshape the franchise since taking over as head coach in early 2025.
In his first season at the helm, Vrabel led the Patriots to a 14-3 record and a Super Bowl appearance, where they fell to the Seattle Seahawks in February.
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