For New England Patriots head coach Mike Vrabel, coaching is not a one-sided exchange of knowledge.
At Vrabel’s final press conference from the Patriots‘ 2026 mandatory minicamp, a couple of youth reporters got to ask the head coach a question. One of them asked Vrabel about a lesson he has learned from the players after 15 years of coaching experience.
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“You learn how they handle stress and how they handle the rigors of a season,” Vrabel said. “You learn other ways to do things and other techniques. You learn other ways to teach players.”
Vrabel went on to say that he’d miss the Patriots’ players as they prepare for their summer break. After the conclusion of mandatory minicamp on June 11, the team won’t return to practice until training camp starts. This year, New England‘s training camp begins on July 24 – more than 40 days from the end of minicamp.
“You learn a lot from players, and that’s what makes this business rewarding for me is being around them,” Vrabel said. “I’ll miss them. I’m sure they won’t miss me that much for the 40 days that they’re gone. But they’re NFL players for a reason, and it’s not just because they’re tall of fast or strong, but because they have a spirit to them. They have wisdom to them, and we’re lucky we get to coach them.”
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Vrabel, 50, is entering his second season as the Patriots’ head coach – and his eighth season overall as an NFL head coach after six years coaching the Tennessee Titans. He won his second NFL Coach of the Year award in 2025 for his efforts leading the Patriots to a 14-3 record and AFC title. The 2026 season will also be Vrabel’s 16th overall season in coaching after a 14-year NFL career largely spent in New England.
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Earlier this offseason, the Patriots’ head coach was involved in an off-the-field controversy when photos emerged in early April showing Vrabel hugging and holding hands with NFL reporter Dianna Russini. A few weeks later, Vrabel told ESPN he “committed to seeking counseling” and missed Day 3 of the 2026 NFL Draft to do so.
The Patriots concluded their spring practice sessions on June 11, the final day of their three-day mandatory minicamp. New England will resume its preparations for the 2026 season when training camp starts on July 24.
This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Patriots’ Mike Vrabel gives thoughtful answer to kid reporter’s question
