If it’s a day ending in “y,” it means more writers are joining The Athletic. Four more scribes joined the site’s ranks. First, Chris Vannini who’s been with CoachingSearch for the last five years announced on Twitter that’s he leaving that site to join The Athletic’s college football site, The All-American to cover coaching news and the major confererences:
Happy to announce I’m joining The Athletic as a national CFB writer, as part of @TheAthleticCFB under @slmandel.
— Chris Vannini (@ChrisVannini) July 31, 2017
At @TheAthleticCFB, my emphasis will be on coaching news and Group of 5 coverage. Excited to give some more national attention to the G5.
— Chris Vannini (@ChrisVannini) July 31, 2017
In an article at CoachingSearch, Vannini wrote that breaking news on the site will be suspended as a search for a new writer begins and will take over in time for the new college football season:
For now, CoachingSearch content and our timely and accurate transaction news on the ticker will be suspended as new writers are considered.
Also joining The All-American will be Max Olson:
Excited to announce I've joined @TheAthleticCFB as a national CFB writer. Thankful to be part of the terrific staff @slmandel is building.
— Max Olson (@max_olson) July 31, 2017
Can't wait to get to work w/ @Matt_Fortuna, @ChantelJennings, @ChrisVannini, @DanUthman + more hires coming soon. Site launches Aug. 28!
— Max Olson (@max_olson) July 31, 2017
Olson was one of the writers who was laid off during the massive ESPN bloodletting in April. He covered the Big 12 for the Worldwide Leader:
I got laid off by ESPN today after an amazing 5+ years. I've been unbelievably fortunate. Better days ahead.
— Max Olson (@max_olson) April 26, 2017
But now he’ll join The All-American where he can continue covering the sport he loves.
Tim Kawakami, the editor-in-chief of The Athletic San Francisco announced two new hires:
I've already mentioned many of our contributors. I'll announce a few more: @enosarris, @Lisa_Olson1… Subscribe: https://t.co/eq7M1tF1WW
— Tim Kawakami (@timkawakami) July 31, 2017
Eno Sarris comes over to The Athletic from Fangraphs where he covered baseball.
Lisa Olson was a columnist for the New York Daily News and also wrote for the Sydney Morning Herald in Australia. She was a featured writer for the old AOL Fanhouse site and at the Sporting News. Olson was also employed at the Boston Herald where she endured sexual harassment when covering the New England Patriots.
While four writers have reasons to celebrate, one Athletic staffer is looking for work. Sean Highkin of The Athletic’s Chicago site announced that he’s leaving:
https://twitter.com/highkin/status/892048421082849281
https://twitter.com/highkin/status/892048475281653760
Highkin covered the Chicago Bulls for the site and will be looking for work once his contract expires.
Overall, it’s another big day for The Athletic with more writers coming on board.
About Ken Fang
Ken has been covering the sports media in earnest at his own site, Fang's Bites since May 2007 and at Awful Announcing since March 2013.
He provides a unique perspective having been an award-winning radio news reporter in Providence and having worked in local television.
Fang celebrates the four Boston Red Sox World Championships in the 21st Century, but continues to be a long-suffering Cleveland Browns fan.