Mike Vrabel is putting his family first.
The New England Patriots' head coach is heading to counseling, following a photo scandal involving NFL reporter Dianna Russini, who has left her job as a reporter for The Athletic, after it launched an investigation into her conduct.
The move means the former football player won't be with his team on the third day of the 2026 NFL Draft, which kicks off Thursday in Pittsburgh.
© Getty ImagesIn a statement to ESPN, Mike, who has been married to his college sweetheart Jen Vrabel since 1999, shared: "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. In order to do so, I have committed to seeking counseling, starting this weekend."
Mike initially denied any salacious speculations about the photos of him and Dianna on vacation, though he said during a press conference earlier this week: "I've had some difficult conversations with people I care about, with my family, the organization, the coaches, the players."
"In order to be successful on and off the field, you have to make good decisions. That includes me. That starts with me. We never want our actions to negatively affect the team, never want to be the cause of distraction," he added.
© Getty Images"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," Mike, 50, further shared in his statement.
"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," he continued, confessing: "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."
Mike shares two sons with Jen, Tyler, 25, and Carter, 24; he will be spending the weekend with his family outside of Massachusetts.
© Getty ImagesPageSix was the first to publish the photos on Tuesday, April 7, which pictured Dianna and Mike on vacation in Arizona (with other reporters), in one instance holding hands, and in another laying side-by-side in pool loungers.
© Getty ImagesMike has been New England's head coach since 2025 (he played for the team from 2001 to 2008) after head coaching the Tennessee Titans for six years.
"These photos show a completely innocent interaction and any suggestion otherwise is laughable. This doesn't deserve any further response," he initially shared about the photos, while Dianna stated: "The photos don't represent the group of six people who were hanging out during the day," adding: "Like most journalists in the NFL, reporters interact with sources away from stadiums and other venues."
