Sports

There's 'Growing' Chance Mike Vrabel Isn't Patriots Coach Next Season

By Andrew Holleran The Spun
Mike Vrabel of the New England Patriots.
Mike Vrabel of the New England Patriots. © Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images.

TMZ Sports' new report about the Mike Vrabel, Dianna Russini relationship is not good for the New England Patriots head coach's future.

Earlier on Wednesday, TMZ Sports reported that Vrabel and Russini rented a boat together in the summer of 2021. Russini was pregnant at the time. Vrabel, of course, was married with two children.

They were the only people on board.

"The NFL duo booked the vessel in Putnam County, Tennessee back in June 2021 ... according to a source with direct knowledge, who also says the then-Tennessee Titans head coach and the journalist were the only people onboard for their 2-to-3-hour rental," TMZ Sports reported.

"The timing of that outing might raise a few eyebrows, because Russini was pregnant at the time with her first child."

Feb 25, 2026; Indianapolis, IN, USA; New England Patriots coach Mike Vrabel speaks during the NFL Scouting Combine at the Indiana Convention Center. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images
Feb 25, 2026; Indianapolis, IN, USA; New England Patriots coach Mike Vrabel speaks during the NFL Scouting Combine at the Indiana Convention Center. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images © Kirby Lee-Imagn Images.

Thus far, Vrabel has remained the head coach of the Patriots. After all, an off-the-field scandal doesn't always result in a firing - or even a punishment.

But as the scandal continues, and more and more photos leak - and more of a distraction is caused for the Patriots - there's a growing chance that owner Robert Kraft will say, "enough is enough," and move on.

Officially, Vrabel's chances of being fired increased by more than 10 percent on Wednesday night, according to the futures market, Kalshi.

"Five days ago, Kalshi had Mike Vrabel as having a 77-percent chance to be the coach of the Patriots as of Week 1. As of this posting, the number has plummeted to 64 percent," Pro Football Talk's Mike Florio reported.

"The Patriots clearly don't want to lose him. At some point, however, the cascade of reports could make it in everyone's best interests for Vrabel to step aside for a season, to do whatever is necessary to resolve the situation with his family, and to return with a clean slate next year."

Drake Maye is standing by his head coach - for now

Drake Maye, meanwhile, is standing by his head coach - for now.

"No, I don't," Maye said when asked if Vrabel is a distraction right now.

"I mean, he's our head coach. I think he's done a great job of talking to us and talking us through it. I'm just looking forward to getting back to work and getting ready."

He added: "He's a great human being."

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This story was originally published May 6, 2026 at 9:21 PM.