Patriots tipped to steal newly minted NBC analyst as stunning Mike Vrabel replacement

The New England Patriots could be forced into a drastic move this offseason.

Just months after making their first Super Bowl appearance in six-years, the Patriots may be in need of a new head coach.

There is chatter amongst the league that the Patriots could be replacing Mike Vrabel after his recent off-field controversies.

Earlier this month, Page Six published photos of Vrabel spending time with The Athletic’s Senior NFL insider Dianna Russini at a hotel in Arizona. 

Before the start of the 2026 NFL Draft last Thursday, photos of the pair getting close at a bar in New York City were released by the same publication.

Despite backing from The Athletic’s lead editor, Russini stepped down from her role.

After the images went viral, Vrabel announced that he would miss a some of the draft to undergo counseling.

“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, via NBC news. 

“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. 

“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 has completed his counselling, but that doesn’t mean a potential resignation is off the cards, and the Patriots are making plans just in case that comes to fruition. 

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Patriots eyeing Mike Tomlin as potential Vrabel successor

According to Daily Mail reporters, the Patriots would consider hiring Mike Tomlin if Vrabel resigns from his position. 

Thomas R. Peterson, an NFL Network, Bleacher Report, and New York Post anaylst, added fuel to the fire.

“It’s gotten to the point where the Patriots are preparing in case Mike Vrabel resigns, per @DailyMail,” Peterson posted on X. “And it’s down to specifics like they’re eyeing Mike Tomlin.”

Tomlin has recently signed up with NBC, and will appear on the revamped ‘Football Night in America’ program.

Tomli has already admitted that he is anxious about stepping into the new role, but is ultimately excited to start the new chapter of his career.

“I love to talk about football. And so that’s just an exciting component for me,” Tomlin said in his NBC debut alongside Maria Taylor.  

“I have to admit, though, there’s going to be some anxiety about stepping into a new space, but good anxiety. It’s good to be uncomfortable, the growth associated with that. And so man, I’m fired up about it.”

Tomlin stepped down as head coach of the Pittsburgh Steelers earlier this yeat after 19-seasons at the helm, and moving to broadcasting seemed the most obvious next step.

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Tomlin led Pittsburgh to the playoffs 13-times, including a Super Bowl win in 2009 over the Arizona Cardinals. 

He was tipped for multiple head coaching jobs during the annual frenzy, and it seems that even with his new NBC role a return to head coaching can’t fully be ruled out.

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