- May 21, 2026
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The story of the offseason has created short-term professional complications for Patriots coach Mike Vrabel but no long-term impact on his job security.
Patriots owner Robert Kraft made that clear on Friday.
Kraft commented on Vrabel during Friday's episode of First Take on ESPN.
Appearing with Fanatics CEO Michael Rubin, Kraft was asked this question by host Shae Cornette: "There's been a little bit of a tumultuous offseason, we can call [it], for your head coach, Mike Vrabel. What's it been like navigating that during the offseason?"
“Well, we’re privileged to have Mike as our head coach," Kraft said. "You know, no one is infallible. And what’s great about Mike is he has great intellectual knowledge about football, all the technical skills. He relates to the players beautifully. And he’s someone I have a strong belief and faith in. And I hope he’s going to be our head coach for many years to come."
The difference in outcomes for Vrabel and Dianna Russini has been stark. The question of a double standard continues to be raised, even if (as we spelled it out right after the issue came to light) the job of head coach and the job of reporter under the high standards imposed by the New York Times are two very different things.
For now, the issue has died down. That could change, when The Athletic issues the report of its internal investigation (if it ever does) and if/when Russini tells her story.
Patriots owner Robert Kraft made that clear on Friday.
Kraft commented on Vrabel during Friday's episode of First Take on ESPN.
Appearing with Fanatics CEO Michael Rubin, Kraft was asked this question by host Shae Cornette: "There's been a little bit of a tumultuous offseason, we can call [it], for your head coach, Mike Vrabel. What's it been like navigating that during the offseason?"
“Well, we’re privileged to have Mike as our head coach," Kraft said. "You know, no one is infallible. And what’s great about Mike is he has great intellectual knowledge about football, all the technical skills. He relates to the players beautifully. And he’s someone I have a strong belief and faith in. And I hope he’s going to be our head coach for many years to come."
The difference in outcomes for Vrabel and Dianna Russini has been stark. The question of a double standard continues to be raised, even if (as we spelled it out right after the issue came to light) the job of head coach and the job of reporter under the high standards imposed by the New York Times are two very different things.
For now, the issue has died down. That could change, when The Athletic issues the report of its internal investigation (if it ever does) and if/when Russini tells her story.