There has been a much different feel surrounding the New England Patriots since Mike Vrabel took over as head coach six months ago, and one reporter was given an unfriendly reminder of that at the start of training camp.
During Vrabel’s media availability on Monday, the coach scolded longtime Boston Globe reporter Ben Volin for not paying attention. Volin asked Vrabel a question about conditioning that apparently had already been answered.
“I mean, whether you were in a coma when I answered Tom’s question or typing on your phone or tweeting, I don’t know, but I spent five minutes answering that question,” Vrabel told Volin. “And I could go back through it, but I’d rather not.”
Vrabel then explained that he will find out more about where players are at with their conditioning during upcoming practices. He said he will be able to answer Volin’s question more thoroughly after that, though Vrabel sarcastically quipped that he hopes to only answer the question once.
Mike Vrabel already in midseason form.@NBC10 #NEPats pic.twitter.com/rFQegNCohB
— Kevin Moore (@KMooreTV) July 22, 2025
Vrabel is known for having a no-nonsense attitude. The approach served him well with the Tennessee Titans, and there were times when he had testy exchanges with reporters then, too.
Volin and others are going to have to be on their toes a bit more than they were when Jerod Mayo, who had no prior experience, was the head coach in New England last year.
