Mike Vrabel makes decision ahead of draft, amid Dianna Russini fallout

New England Patriots coach Mike Vrabel will not be with the team for Day 3 of the 2026 NFL Draft. Executive vice president of player personnel Eliot Wolf and vice president of player personnel Ryan Cowden will be leading the draft room while Vrabel seeks counseling.

This move comes amid the fallout from the now-publicized images of Vrabel and Dianna Russini, a former reporter for The Athletic. The two were spotted at a luxury resort in Arizona, appearing to be embracing and holding hands. Both Vrabel and Russini are married.

Since the images went public, Russini has resigned from her position at The Athletic.

The 2025 NFL Coach of the Year addressed media members on Tuesday and claimed that he had spoken with the players privately on the matter. However, on Wednesday night, he revealed that he would be taking extra measures to be the "best husband, father and coach" that he can be.

"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," Vrabel said, via ESPN's Mike Reiss. "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."

The Patriots have eight picks on Saturday, so it will be the busiest day of the draft for the franchise. Vrabel will still be in contact with the team, per Reiss, but it will be Wolf and Cowden leading the show on Day 3.