Patriots coach addresses media after missing final day of NFL draft

New England Patriots head coach addressed reporters Wednesday for the first time since missing Day 3 of the NFL draft. The coach said the absence was a personal decision tied to seeking counseling and does not regret the choice. " The coach expressed appreciation for family members and personal friends while noting the team is in the sixth week of its voluntary offseason program.

Draft absence and prior comments The coach previously described the absence as a "personal and private matter" and part of a commitment to counseling that began the weekend of the draft. The coach said the goal was to give family and the team the best version possible.

Asked about possible future absences, the coach said focus remains on the present and on the excitement built during the offseason program.

Media reports and team response In early April, the New York Post published photos showing the coach at a resort with a former reporter days before NFL league meetings. The coach addressed players about the situation on April 20, the first day of the voluntary offseason program.

The coach said everyone deals with matters outside football and that focus and excitement for coaching are most important now.