Mike Vrabel to miss Patriots’ final NFL draft day —here’s why

New England Patriots head coach Mike Vrabel, after being embroiled in the Arizona vacationing photos scandal, hit another setback.

Vrable speaks out on Tuesday, April 21, after New York Post published photos of him spending vacations with former Athletic NFL reporter Dianna Russini at an Arizona resort on April 7, 2026.

Patriots coach Vrabel now won’t be available for the Patriots ahead of the NFL Day 3 draft scheduled for Saturday, April 25, 2026, due to seeking personal health support.

Vrable, seeking personal counseling, revealed that, “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.”

Revealing why he thinks he needs to focus on his well-being, he said, “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.”

Vrabel explained while taking a “family comes first” approach, “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,” Vrabel added.

For the unversed, Vrabel appeared in public, addressing the media on Tuesday, April 21, first time since the NYP carried snaps that appeared to show the Patriots coach vacationing with NFL reporter Dianna Russini at an Arizona resort.

However, Vrabel brushed off the rumors by telling reporters it was a “personal and private matter.”

The Patriots go into NFL draft with 11 picks, featuring the No. 13 pick of the first round.

While eight of their picks are on the final day of the draft, two in the fourth round, one in the fifth, four in the sixth and one in the seventh round on Saturday, April 25.