Bill Simmons' Father Blames Dianna Russini for Patriots' Season Woes

Opinions were made known in the Simmons household following the New England Patriots' 35-6 rout of the Jacksonville Jaguars. Bill Simmons, founder of The Ringer, shared his father's commentary from the recent game on "The Bill Simmons Podcast," which included direct criticism of reporter Dianna Russini's influence on the team's season.

"I think Dianna Russini ruined our season," the elder Simmons stated, as recounted by his son. He also reportedly compared current quarterback play to that of Mac Jones and questioned whether Tommy DeVito should be considered. Near the end of his remarks, he lamented, "You know, it was so exciting to have a franchise quarterback, even if it was only for one year."

Bill Simmons suggested that issues surrounding the team began with a reported offseason incident involving former coach Mike Vrabel and Russini. "The Pats in this post-Mike Vrabel Sedona era, the looks sloppy as hell. They look poorly coached and it looks like he has no feel for the team," Simmons said. "And I really do think it all starts with that. And the Year From Hell team... starts with the Vrabel-Russini stuff."

Ben Volin of the Boston Globe also referenced the situation in a column, referring to it as the "Dianna Russini Curse." An anonymous fan submission to Simmons' podcast highlighted concerns about the team's performance, citing factors such as a coach allegedly having an affair with a reporter, a starting running back's arrest, and questionable offensive play-calling.

Previously, reports surfaced in April detailing photos of Vrabel and Russini, both married to other individuals, holding hands and hugging at a resort. Russini has since resigned from The Athletic.

The Patriots' current season has been marked by struggles, with quarterback Drake Maye leading the team to a 1-2 record through the first three games. Maye has thrown one touchdown against six interceptions in that span. Dating back to the end of the previous season, he has accumulated nine fumbles and 10 interceptions in his last seven games. Simmons expressed concern over Maye's performance, noting, "He’s missing throws that he made for four straight months last year and just doesn’t look comfortable."

Maye was the No. 3 overall pick in the 2024 NFL Draft. The Patriots finished the 2025-26 season with a 4-13 record, their first without Bill Belichick in 24 years. The following season saw an improvement to a 14-3 record and a Super Bowl appearance under Vrabel. The team is set to face the Buffalo Bills in Week 4.