Patriots' Mike Vrabel on keeping focus on coaching: 'We all have to deal with things outside of here'

Mike Vrabel spoke to reporters for the first time on Wednesday since the opening day of the NFL Draft last month. The New England Patriots head coach was absent on Day 3 for counseling after photos of him and NFL reporter Dianna Russini went viral.

When Vrabel last spoke, he said he was stepping away to prioritize his family. On Wednesday, he said balancing between his football life and personal life has been going "really good."

Advertisement

“My family is great,” Vrabel said before the Patriots’ organized team activities. “I love [my wife] Jen. I love the boys [Tyler and Carter]. I love my personal friends.”

Play 2026 Soccer Pick 'Em with FOX One and make your picks for the world's biggest soccer tournament

Vrabel was back at the team's practice facility on Monday to be around for the Patriots' offseason program. The team is holding nine sessions over three weeks, wrapping up on June 11 before beginning a three-day mandatory minicamp on June 15.

Vrabel was not asked directly about the Russini situation and said his focus is on coaching.

Advertisement

“We all have to deal with things outside of here,” Vrabel said. “My focus and the excitement I have for coaching is what is most important right now. This is a great opportunity, the spring. We don’t have to worry about opponents. Our schedule is pretty much the same.”

When asked if he was expecting to miss any more days during offseason activities as he did during the draft, Vrabel wasn’t sure what the future would bring.

“I mean, I can only tell you I’m gonna be there today, and I can’t tell you anything other than I’m gonna be out there today in full force,” Vrabel said. “And I mean that because, you know, who knows what’s gonna come up? Anything could happen. And so I’m gonna focus on today.”