Where will they go? Predicting new homes for each high profile ESPN layoff

ESPN parted ways with a large group of on-air talent at the end of June in an effort to cut costs heading into the second half of the year. Certain faces were a staple of the network’s programming for many years, with some working for ESPN for decades. We’ll take a stab at where these familiar personalities might take a job next.

Van Gundy had a front row seat for 15 straight NBA Finals broadcasted by ESPN/ABC. The former NBA head coach was known for his whimsical observations and consistent efforts to suggest rule changes. His brother Stan works as a game analyst for TNT, so it seems possible that Turner Sports might want to bring Jeff in as well.

The former NBA player was a fixture on the network’s studio coverage, as his profile increased by leaps and bounds in the high-profile role. It’s no secret that The Ringer’s Bill Simmons developed a close working relationship with Rose during their time together at ESPN, and it’s possible the former will try to recruit his old podcast partner.

Kellerman was handpicked by ESPN to replace Skip Bayless on its infamous daytime debate show, First Take. He performed well as a foil to Stephen A. Smith, but would eventually be reassigned to other projects by the company. At his core, Kellerman is a boxing/combat sport expert, which makes DAZN a sensible landing spot.

Johnson has made a name for himself by speaking his mind, whether it was during his time as an NFL wide receiver or a member of the media. He should have no trouble latching on with another network, and FOX Sports seems like a very good fit. They have similarly formatted shows as ESPN, which would allow Johnson to be as honest as he wants.

The decision to let McShay go was a fascinating one by ESPN. He had cemented himself as a household NFL Draft aficionado alongside Mel Kiper, Jr. Kiper is no spring chicken, and the network seemingly had groomed McShay to be the next face of draft coverage. NFL Network has a golden opportunity to steal one of the sport’s pre-eminent evaluators for many years to come.

NBC Sports had been notorious for including a bunch of panelists at their roundtable of NFL coverage. They would seem to be the most likely to kick the tires on the former Seattle Seahawks quarterback. It wouldn’t be surprising if NBC even gave Hasselbeck a chance to call some of the network’s non-Sunday night affairs.

Brewer isn’t quite as well known as some of the other individuals who were laid off, but she has a bright future in sports media. Still in her early thirties, she has anchor experience that would make her a natural fit for highlight shows. Although she may think a little bigger, Brewer may want to consider focusing on the reporting side of her skillset with CBS.

Kolber was one of the longest tenured employees at ESPN, making it somewhat of a shock that the company would decide to let her go. As Amazon continues to build its presence in the NFL media landscape, it might not be a bad idea for the streaming network to have Kolber host pre and postgame coverage, to take some work off of Charissa Thompson’s busy plate.

Young has always been well-liked as an on-air personality, but he had a chance to spread his wings a little bit at ESPN. He would join shows such as Pardon The Interruption to give detailed opinions on NFL topics. Considering how many important games he played on Fox as quarterback of the San Francisco 49ers, it’s possible they’ll want him to join their team.

The former Notre Dame star established himself as a versatile college basketball analyst with ESPN, and should be in high demand now that he’s a free agent. It’s entirely possible that he ends up with CBS Sports, but the Big 10 Network might also want to take a gander at Ellis. Bringing proven talent into a network that is finding its footing seems like a good idea.

While many sports fans have put sports radio discourse in their rear view mirror, there’s still a huge appetite for it across the United States. Fitz has a lot of experience on ESPN Radio, and would be well served continuing his career on a comparable national medium. Sirius XM would give him that platform.

He made appearances on Around The Horn in the last few years, but Lee has cut his teeth as a writer, and a darn good one at that. He’s the type of experienced storyteller that any print or digital outlet would love to have. While The Athletic tends to break or pontificate on news these days, having a feature writer like Lee would be a solid addition to their arsenal.

Photo Credit: ESPNPressroom.com

Like Ellis, Cornette is another former Fighting Irish basketball player looking for his next career move. While he doesn’t quite have the same profile as Ellis, he stands to be a logical candidate for other networks who broadcast college basketball. It wouldn’t be surprising to see him on Fox Sports’ coverage on weekday evenings.

Although his NFL career was cut short due to injury, Pollack fulfilled his potential as a commentator with ESPN over the last decade or so. He’s succeeded in many roles, including studio shows, debate spots, and in-game analysis. Even though his SEC connection is strong, Pollack may find himself working for NBC, who has primarily broadcast Notre Dame football games.

Friedell has done a commendable job of expanding his sphere of influence from the Midwest to the entire NBA basketball universe. However, now that he’s without a job, Friedell might want to look to his past to help guide his future employment decision. He could be a strong fit with NBC Sports Chicago’s coverage of Bulls games, either in the studio or the sideline.

Everett has more than proven his chops as a SportsCenter anchor, as he’s one of the last connections to that program’s glory days. He could excel in any highlight show in a myriad of sports, but might find a most hospitable fit at MLB Network. The baseball conglomerate has taken in several former ESPN talent in the past.

As TNT looks to legitimize and ramp up its coverage of the NHL, throwing money at one of the most famous hockey players of the last 30 years seems like a no-brainer. The Detroit Red Wings legend brings instant credibility to any conversation on the sport, and could be a pillar of Turner’s hockey package for a long time.

It doesn’t feel like the former New England Patriots linebacker is going to be a premier gig in his next job, but he has picked up quite a few skills at ESPN. Considering CBS’ longstanding relationship with the AFC, and the relationship the network has had broadcasting Patriots games, they might decide to groom Ninkovich on some of its supplementary programming.

As enthusiasm surrounding sports betting continues to grow, it’s intriguing that ESPN elected to part ways with a contributor who has helped the network grow in that capacity. Kezirian may have a larger market than people think considering the evolving landscape of wagering. Stadium has not shied away from this type of content, and may take a hard look at Kezirian.

Known to some sports fans as “The Other Woj,” Wojciechowski has appeared on ESPN’s college basketball coverage to varying degrees. He seems to excel with on-air feature pieces, which go behind the scenes to humanize players and coaches. His talents would be well served at the PAC 12 Network, which is looking to hold on despite schools in its conference looking to defect.