New England Patriots head coach Mike Vrabel has the full support of owner Robert Kraft even after Vrabel’s photo scandal with former The Athletic reporter Dianna Russini was the headline story of the NFL’s offseason.
Photos of Vrabel with Russini at an Arizona Resort were published by Page Six in April and the New York Post released subsequent photos of the two together from over the years. The scandal caused Russini to resign from her position with The Athletic while Vrabel said he had “some difficult conversations with people that I care about,” and missed Day 3 of this year’s NFL draft to seek counseling.
Kraft appeared on ESPN’s “First Take” on Friday and used the platform as an opportunity to back his head coach when asked about the offseason turmoil that surrounded Vrabel.
“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. I hope he’s going to be our head coach for many years to come.”
“First Take” co-host Stephen A. Smith pointed out to Kraft that he used the word “hope” instead of saying he knew Vrabel would be the Patriots’ head coach in the future. There were questions about Vrabel’s job security in the wake of the scandal.
“Sweetheart. I know,” Kraft responded with a smile to Smith.
Kraft explained he chose the word “hope” pretty much as an organizational philosophy to keep people grounded. Vrabel’s first season on the sidelines with the Patriots was a massive success as he orchestrated turnaround to lead the Patriots to a 14-3 regular season and a Super Bowl appearance after New England went 4-13 in back-to-back seasons.
“We like everyone to have humility, and when you say things like that, especially when you win, and you win big, staying humble,” Kraft said. “I’ll tell you, he relates to the players in a unique way. I’ve been privileged to have my three former head coaches all won Super Bowls. So, I’ve gotten to see what’s necessary in a coach. He was a great player with us, he won three Super Bowls. He has experience and he really knows how to connect.”
Kraft was also asked about his expectations for the Patriots, who open up training camp Saturday. He clearly is enthused by the team’s roster, especially after trading for star wide receiver A.J. Brown and signing fellow wideout Romero Doubs to a four-year, $68 million contract in free agency.
And Kraft also thinks very highly of Drake Maye, who finished second in MVP voting last year, as he called the 23-year-old quarterback “really special.”
“I’m excited,” Kraft said. “But my sons always say, ‘Dad, calm down.’ But my expectations are we’re going to make the playoffs every year. And if you make the playoffs, like we saw last year, no one would have predicted (a Super Bowl appearance).”
