NFL fines three head coaches $250,000 each for conduct toward officials

The National Football League announced that New England Patriots head coach Mike Vrabel, New York Jets head coach Aaron Glenn and Philadelphia Eagles head coach Nick Sirianni have each been fined $250,000 for their conduct toward game officials, according to a report from Sports Illustrated. The fines are being held in abeyance, meaning they may be waived if the coaches demonstrate satisfactory behavior moving forward.

The specific incidents leading to the penalties were not detailed, though Vrabel was cited for expressing displeasure with a call during Week 4. He later explained that his remarks were not intended to be derogatory.

The league also disclosed disciplinary actions against two officials this season. Line judge Jeff Seeman was fined after allegedly using profanity toward Arizona Cardinals tight end Trey McBride, and referee Adrian Hill received a one-game suspension for unprofessional conduct toward Minnesota Vikings linebacker Eric Wilson following a post-play altercation.

The NFL said the measures aim to prevent further distractions involving coaches and officials as the season continues.

"I told him it was a terrible — I’m not going to say effing — call," Vrabel said after the game. "I’ve said that 87 times since I’ve been a head coach. It was nothing derogatory. You’d have to ask him. I think he was a little sensitive."

"That was funny, honestly," Wilson told reporters in the Vikings' locker room. "I ended up apologizing to him and explained the situation. He was cool about it. He understood what was going on. He just said he didn’t want us fighting, me and (Dolphins running back Ollie Gordon II). He said he was just trying to break us up."