Mike Vrabel Set to Be Absent for Day 3 of NFL Draft - Here's Why

The NFL draft is set to begin Thursday night with the first round. The second and third rounds will take place on Friday, followed by Rounds 4 through 7 on Saturday.

However, on Day 3 for the New England Patriots, the team will reportedly be without head coach Mike Vrabel.

According to ESPN's Mike Reiss, Vrabel is currently seeking counseling following viral photos published by the New York Post showing him alongside longtime NFL reporter Dianna Russini in Arizona roughly two weeks ago.

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Vrabel explained his reasoning for the decision on Wednesday night.

"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. In order to do so, I have committed to seeking counseling, starting this weekend," Vrabel said Wednesday night. "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.

"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," he added. "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 addressed the team and the media this week for the first time on Tuesday and called the situation a “private and personal matter.”

However, he did go into detail on owning up to his actions, revealing that he had some difficult conversations with his team, coaches, and family. Now, he seems to be taking the steps he deems necessary to bettering himself.

“We believe in order to be successful on and off the field, you have to make good decisions. That includes me,” he said. “That starts with me.”

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This story was originally published April 23, 2026 at 10:52 AM.