Mike Vrabel Will Step Away From Patriots to Focus on Wife and Kids: Coach Confirms He Is ‘Seeking Counseling’ After Dianna Russini Scandal

New England Patriots coach Mike Vrabel has announced that he will skip the third day of the NFL Draft this weekend so that he can focus on his family and "seek counseling" after images were published of him spending time at an Arizona hotel with sports reporter Dianna Russini . Despite previously insisting that the photos of himself and Russini—in which they were seen hugging, holding hands, and soaking in a pool together—were taken out of context, Vrabel, 50, has now confirmed to ESPN that he will take a short break from coaching the Patriots in order to undergo counseling, and spend time with his wife, Jen Vrabel , and their two sons. "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," he told the outlet late on Wednesday.

"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. I appreciate the support that everyone has given me and promise a stronger resolve as a result. " ESPN notes that Vrabel and his family will spend the weekend "outside of Massachusetts," where he has been based since the start of 2025, when he was named as the new head coach of the Patriots, but did not specify a location.

New England Patriots coach Mike Vrabel has announced that he will skip the third day of the NFL Draft this weekend so that he can focus on his family and "seek counseling. " (Danielle Parhizkaran/The Boston Globe via Getty Images) The news comes after images were published of Vrabel spending time at an Arizona hotel with sports reporter Dianna Russini. (Cindy Ord/Getty Images for Fanatics) Despite insisting that the photos of himself and Russini were taken out of context, Vrabel, 50, has now confirmed that he will take a break from the Patriots in order to undergo counseling, and spend time with his wife, Jen Vrabel (center left), and their two sons.