NFL Fans React To The Mike Tomlin, Patriots Speculation
Believe it or not, there's chatter about the New England Patriots replacing head coach Mike Vrabel.
Earlier this month, Page Six published photos of Vrabel spending time with NFL insider Dianna Russini at a hotel in Arizona. Before the start of the 2026 NFL Draft last Thursday, photos of them getting close at a bar in New York City were released by Page Six. After those images were shared with the public, Vrabel announced that he'd 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. "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 returned to the Patriots roughly 48 hours after his counseling session. That doesn't mean he's a lock to coach this fall though.
According to Daily Mail reporters Russ Weakland and Ben Nagle, the Patriots would consider hiring Mike Tomlin if Vrabel resigns from his position. However, the reigning AFC champions would like to keep their head coach for the 2026 season and beyond.
Judging by the reactions online, Patriots fans aren't exactly thrilled with the idea of Tomlin replacing Vrabel.
"Time to stop entertaining these reports now good god," a Patriots fan commented.
"Makes zero sense bc Tomlin has a whole other contract with another company he just signed and he just said he don't wanna coach anymore," a second fan said.
"Resign? Dude just got a four hour therapy session," a social media user replied. "He's good to go…"
"I promise if we hire this guy I'm done with this team," another Patriots fan declared.
Tomlin already has a job for the 2026 season.
Tomlin has officially agreed to take on an analyst role for NBC's "Football Night in America." He sat down with Maria Taylor this week to discuss his decision.
"I just thought it'd be a great way to stay connected to the game and the awesome people in it, players, coaches, executives, and excited about doing that on Sunday night and traveling to different venues and getting that feel for the environment," Tomlin said, via ESPN. "And lastly, I just thought it'd be awesome to share insight with fellow football lovers. I love to talk football. And so that's just an exciting component for me. I got 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."
As of now, NFL fans should strictly expect to see Tomlin covering games next season.
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This story was originally published April 28, 2026 at 2:06 PM.