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New England Patriots head coach Mike Vrabel attempted to pivot when asked about attending marriage counseling during the offseason at a press conference on Tuesday, August 11.
ESPN reporter Kalyn Kahler asked Vrabel, 50, “What did you learn from that counseling and how did you balance that personal commitment with getting ready for this season?”
“I think we always look at improvement,” Vrabel replied. “As we talk about getting ready for the next season, we always look at improvement and ways that we can improve individually and how we can improve as a team. It’s really critical that we continue to do that, on and off the field. I believe in that. I believe in everything we can do to help this football team, to help our coaches, to help myself and everybody else included.”
He continued, “This journey that we’re going to go on is going to be completely different than the one we went on last year. That’s all of our jobs to prepare for it now.”
Vrabel briefly stepped away from the Patriots during the 2026 NFL Draft in April to attend counseling with his wife, Jen, after multiple cozy photos and videos emerged of the coach and reporter Dianna Russini.
Russini, 43, stepped down from her job as The Athletic’s NFL insider in April, though neither Russini – who is also married – or Vrabel has publicly admitted to having an affair.
Looking ahead, Vrabel said on Tuesday that he is “really focused on our improvement individually and as a team, and that’s something that we can do today.”
“I think we all have areas that we can improve on, and that includes the coaches,” he added.
When asked by Kahler whether Vrabel’s counseling would be “continuing throughout the season,” the head coach was similarly vague.
“We’re gonna always try and find ways to prepare and focus on our mental fitness,” he said. “That’s gonna continue with me, the coaches, the staff and our players.”
Vrabel gave a special shout-out to Jonathan Jenkins, the Patriots’ team clinical and performance psychologist.
“I love what Dr. JJ does for our football team and our ability to use that as a resource,” Vrabel said.
In a statement to ESPN in April, Vrabel explained his decision to attend counseling amid the Russini scandal.
“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 noted. “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.”
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