NFL Insider Reveals What It Will Take For New England Patriots To Fire Mike Vrabel
This article was originally published on Total Pro Sports.
The New England Patriots are still supporting head coach Mike Vrabel despite the growing controversy involving former NFL reporter Dianna Russini. New photos and videos appeared this week showing Vrabel and Russini together during a 2021 boat trip in Tennessee. The new images brought even more attention to a story.
The controversy first started in April after photos showed Vrabel and Russini holding hands at an adults-only resort in Arizona. More videos later surfaced from a bar in New York City in 2020. Both denied rumors about an affair at first. Later, Vrabel apologized for his “actions,” but he did not directly admit to cheating.
Right now, the Patriots do not appear ready to move on from their coach. Vrabel led New England to a Super Bowl win in 2025, and team officials seem focused on protecting both him and the organization from more controversy. Still, NFL insider Albert Breer believes things could change if more allegations come out.
What Could Push The Patriots To Move On?
Breer explained during an appearance on 98.5 Sports Hub that the Patriots still stand firmly behind Vrabel. He said the organization has spent the past month trying to protect his job and the team’s image.
“I would say at this point it is definitely not in their plans,” Breer said. “If it’s just continued drips and drabs that continue to fill in the blanks of what we sort of already know, then I think the Patriots just ride it out.”
From @toucherandhardy: @AlbertBreer Explains Why The Patriots Are Standing By Mike Vrabel.. For Now #NFL #Patriots pic.twitter.com/0igx4KvFqb
— 98.5 The Sports Hub (@985TheSportsHub) May 8, 2026
Breer also outlined what could force the franchise to reconsider its position. He pointed to the possibility of more women coming forward or evidence that Vrabel placed personal relationships ahead of team responsibilities.
“What could be worse, I think it would have to be more women coming out,” Breer said. “Or there being some sort of breach of trust within the organization.”
At this stage, no reports suggest Vrabel had relationships with other women or violated team rules. Patriots quarterback Drake Maye publicly defended his coach this week and called him “a great human being.” Maye also said he does not expect the scandal to distract the team this season.
Vrabel addressed the issue before the NFL Draft and promised to focus on both his family and the Patriots. “My priorities are my family and this football team,” he said.
Meanwhile, Russini resigned from her role at The Athletic and insisted she “had done nothing wrong.” Reports also say The Athletic continues to review her journalism work as part of an internal investigation.
