Patriots owner Robert Kraft backs coach Mike Vrabel

New England Patriots owner Robert Kraft has delivered a strong public endorsement of head coach Mike Vrabel, affirming his long-term future with the team despite an offseason dominated by controversy. Kraft’s comments, made during an appearance on ESPN’s "First Take" on July 17, 2026, signal the organization’s intent to move forward with Vrabel as training camp begins next week.

The controversy stems from photos published by Page Six on April 7, 2026, showing Vrabel and veteran NFL reporter Dianna Russini together at a resort in Sedona, Arizona. The images, which showed the pair holding hands and appearing intimate, sparked widespread speculation. Russini’s employer, The Athletic, launched an internal review into whether the alleged relationship compromised her coverage. She resigned from the publication on April 14, though she maintained in her resignation letter that she stood by her reporting.

Vrabel addressed the situation publicly for the first time during an unscheduled press conference on April 21. He acknowledged holding difficult conversations with his family, team executives, coaches, and players, stating that making the right decisions starts with him. Two days later,...