What's next for insider Dianna Russini after resignation from The Athletic?

Will NFL insider Dianna Russini land another gig in sports media after resigning from The Athletic on Tuesday? 

The Athletic's investigation into Russini's controversial hotel photos with New England Patriots head coach Mike Vrabel is ongoing. The reporter, meanwhile, has made it clear she's not leaving media. In her resignation letter, the former ESPN staffer wrote one reason she chose to terminate her contract (which ended June 30) is to avoid "[lending the story] further oxygen or to let it define [her] or [her] career."

One would think media outlets wouldn't consider hiring Russini, given the potential public relations debacle. Still, she has made many connections throughout her 16-year career in sports journalism, including Fox Sports Radio host Jon "Stugotz" Weiner. He has already said he would employ her if she ever left The Athletic. 

What did Jon "Stugotz" Weiner say about Dianna Russini? 

"The entire industry is littered with conflicts of interest," Weiner said on his radio show last week (h/t Michael McCarthy of Front Office Sports). "Every single take that anyone makes is littered with a conflict of interest. I don't want to hear about it. I spoke to her, O.K., she's going through a very difficult time. She's going to survive this. And again, anyone who wants to get rid of her, I will hire her in two seconds."

Weiner's former on-air partner, Dan Le Batard (now with Meadowlark Media), said he hadn't spoken to Russini, a recurring guest on his show, about the Vrabel fiasco. He didn't say he would hire her, but he did compliment her work. 

"This woman is at the height of sports journalism," he said. "She got there the right and hardest way. Fighting the other information people to get to the top of information that is credible, that is rock solid reported, stronger than the opinion-maker. She's not an opinion-maker. She's a journalist. And she has good relationships in the business."

What are other potential landing spots for Dianna Russini? 

Sports Illustrated's Jimmy Traina noted that either Fox Sports' TV branch or Barstool Sports may be willing to hire Russini. Barstool, of course, hasn't shied away from bringing on polemic figures. 

Barstool hired former NFL head coach/ESPN personality Jon Gruden in November 2024. Gruden resigned as head coach of the Las Vegas Raiders in October 2021 after a series of emails — containing racist, misogynistic and homophobic language — that were sent to former Washington Commanders executive Bruce Allen were leaked. He alleges the NFL revealed them and is suing the league. A trial date is set for May 2027.

But with the probe ongoing, media companies will likely avoid Russini until more information is divulged. And even after it concludes, it could take the reporter a long time to erase the storyline from people's minds. That will make it harder for Russini to find her next job, despite one of her friends being on the record saying he'd hire her on the spot.