Mike Vrabel's next media availability revealed amid controversy with Dianna Russini

Mike Vrabel's next media availability revealed amid controversy with Dianna Russini originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.

With Mike Vrabel in the midst of a controversy with NFL insider and The Athletic reporter, Dianna Russini, many are wondering when the New England Patriots coach will address the media next.

We know that time is coming because the 2026 NFL Draft is less than two weeks away and begins on April 23 and head coaches always take questions from the media before, during and/or after the three-day event in late April.

According to ESPN's Mike Reiss, Vrabel is not expected to address the media until after the 2026 NFL draft.

"Vrabel -- who has been in the news this week, as the Athletic is reinvestigating the coverage of NFL reporter Dianna Russini and the nature of her relationship with him, sources familiar with the matter told ESPN -- isn't expected to address reporters until the draft," Reiss reported.

Mike Vrabel-Dianna Russini controversy explained

If you haven't been following the story, photos of Vrabel and Russini, both of whom are married to other people, surfaced showing the head coach and NFL reporter holding hands, hugging and lounging in a hot tub together.

Page Six obtained the photos from a "spy" while Russini and Vrabel were down in Sedona, Arizona, at the Ambiente resort in late March, and the accusation from many who have seen the photos is that Russini and Vrabel are having an affair.

Vrabel was in Arizona for a scouting event at Arizona State University that week, and both were at the NFL owners meetings at the Biltmore hotel in Phoenix in the days after.

Both have since publicly denied they are having an affair, but The Athletic has launched an investigation into the matter involving their top NFL reporter after backing her publicly.

"According to the person familiar with The Athletic’s investigation, the nature of Ms. Russini’s relationship with Mr. Vrabel and her coverage are being reviewed and she will not be reporting while the investigation is underway," The Athletic's Katie Robertson reported.

"The Athletic’s editorial guidelines require that their journalists avoid any activities that pose a conflict of interest or the appearance of a conflict, so as not to call into question their credibility. The Athletic is owned by The New York Times Company," Robertson added.

Don't expect comments from Vrabel

New England Patriots head coach Mike Vrabel

Mar 31, 2026; Phoenix, AZ, USA; New England Patriots head coach Mike Vrabel speaks to reporters in the media during the 2026 NFL Annual League Meeting at the Arizona Biltmore. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images

Outside of what he has already said in a statement, there is exactly zero chance Vrabel is going to address this situation with Russini at the NFL draft.

Vrabel is typically secretive with the media on football matters, so he's not going to go into his personal life, especially after a football-related event when draft picks will be the topic of conversation.

We fully expect a "no comment" from Vrabel if reporters do ask a question about the controversy that has taken the internet and NFL world by storm.