Patriots' Kevin Byard Praises Mike Vrabel's Consistent Coaching Style Amid Controversy

Patriots safety Kevin Byard, who joined the team earlier this year, has been reunited with coach Mike Vrabel. Speaking to reporters on Tuesday, Byard said he sees no differences between the Vrabel who worked with Byard in Tennessee and the Vrabel currently coaching amid an ongoing controversy.

"[He’s] the same old guy, honestly," Byard said, via Karen Guregian of MassLive.com. "He’s the same guy that I recognize from being back in Tennessee, a guy that’s full of energy, coaching the entire team, running back and forth from offense, defense, special teams. I don’t see a difference whatsoever."

On Tuesday, Byard highlighted Vrabel’s involvement in punt drills, emphasizing his vocal leadership.

"He’s the loudest voice on the field," Byard said. "Just coaching the guys, making sure guys technique is good, but at the same time, praising them when they do very well. . . . It’s definitely the same guy I recognize from Tennessee."

Receiver Romeo Doubs, who has not previously played under Vrabel, also praised the coach’s energy and player-focused approach.

"I love him," Doubs said. "Very energetic dude. A player’s coach, because I know at some point in his career, he’s played some really solid football here. It’s rare when you get a head coach who obviously was a player in this league, and worked his way through the ropes to be a really solid head coach. . . . I’m just very blessed and fortunate to be around him."

For Vrabel and the Patriots, the ideal outcome is for off-field distractions to subside. As of three weeks ago, the situation had reached a critical point, impacting the team after Vrabel missed the third day of the draft. If the steady release of photos and videos from TMZ and the New York Post slows, and if the other party involved does not engage in a high-profile interview (such as with Oprah), the controversy may fade before Week 1 of the season begins.