Mike Vrabel Out Odds Surge On Kalshi In Wake Of Latest Photos, Coach Missing Day 3 Of Draft

By Bill Speros

Apr 23rd, 2026 2:43 PM EDT

Mike Vrabel

The New England Patriots coach Mike Vrabel Out Odds surged to as high as 42% Thursday on the prediction market Kalshi. Traders have placed more than $350,000 in trades in its "Pro Football Coaches Out Before September" market.

As of 2:25 p.m., the Mike Vrabel Out Odds stood at 39% on the platform, after trading above 40% earlier in the day. The NFL Draft begins Thursday night.

The New York Post on April 7 published photos Vrabel and former NFL reporter for The Athletic Dianna Russini that appeared to show the couple embracing and holding hands at an exclusive, posh Arizona resort. Both are married to other people. On Thursday, the Post shared images of Vrabel and Russini embracing and kissing at a New York City bar in March 2020. Earlier, ESPN reported Vrabel would not be with the team on Day 3 of the NFL Draft Saturday.

Vrabel took over as Patriots head coach last season and earned NFL Coach of the Year Honors. New England posted a 14-3 record and reached the Super Bowl, losing to Seattle 29-13. The success under Vrabel in Year 1 came after the team posted back-to-back 4-13 seasons under both Bill Belichick and Jerod Mayo.

Vrabel To Miss Day 3 Of NFL Draft

The Patriots have 8 of their 11 draft picks on Saturday. The team owns pick No. 31 in the first round Thursday, but could well trade it to build draft capital for a potential A.J. Brown trade.

Vrabel initially dismissed speculation about his relationship with Russini being anything but professional as "laughable." On Tuesday, Vrabel called this a "personal and private matter."

Early Thursday morning, ESPN reported that Vrabel would not be attending Day 3 of the NFL Draft, instead choosing to attend counseling with his family outside of Massachusetts.

"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 ESPN's Mike Reiss. "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."

What's Next In Foxboro?

Former head coach Josh McDaniels returned to New England to take over as the team's offensive coordinator last season. So the Patriots would have a "head coach in waiting" if they were to move on from Vrabel. McDaniels' track record as a head coach was disastrous in Denver and Las Vegas. However, McDaniels reportedly has a strong relationship with QB Drake Maye, who has become the fulcrum of the franchise.

The Patriots responded to Vrabel's strong presence and down-to-business personality. Vrabel played linebacker in the NFL and won 3 Super Bowls while playing for the Patriots.

Vrabel retains defacto control of player personnel in New England, despite the presence of Executive Vice President of Player Personnel Eliot Wolf. What isn't know is if Vrabel will be in contact with the team in any manner on Saturday.

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