Mike Vrabel, Drake Maye get glowing review amid Dianna Russini situation

The New England Patriots made it all the way to the Super Bowl during the 2025-26 NFL season, so Mike Vrabel is obviously doing a lot of things right with this franchise.

But Vrabel's historic time with the franchise has been clouded by drama. Earlier this year, photos of Vrabel hugging and holding hands with reporter Dianna Russini surfaced in the New York Post. He even felt the need to skip the third day of the NFL Draft to seek counseling amid the scandal.

"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 at the time, per ESPN.

All drama aside, Vrabel and quarterback Drake Maye are still considered one of the best coach-and-quarterback duos in the NFL going into the 2026 season.

Mike Vrabel, Drake Maye get recognized in coach-QB rankings

In a feature published in SI, Matt Verderame names the Vrabel and Maye combination one of the best in the NFL going into the 2026 season. He ranks this combo at No. 3 on the tally. That's up from No. 17 last season.

In the piece, Verderame notes that despite the offseason troubles for Vrabel, the coach has "authored a tremendous turnaround, helping New England capture the AFC East for the first time since 2019 before reaching the Super Bowl. This is a continuation of Vrabel's ability from his time with the Titans, where he led Tennessee to three consecutive playoff appearances and an AFC title game."

He also says he under Vrabel's leadership, "Maye has turned into one of the league's best. An MVP candidate last year, Maye led the NFL with a +151.2 EPA alongside 4,394 yards and 31 touchdowns."

For Patriots fans, it's great to see Vrabel get in the press for something positive during the offseason.