As ESPN looks to revamp portions of its programming lineup affected by talent layoffs, the network has been tasked with replacing one of its most recognizable talents on an iconic broadcast franchise. Suzy Kolber, the longtime host of Monday Night Countdown since its inception in 2006, was let go by the network after 27 years. Now for the first time in its history, the host chair for that show is vacant and could be filled by a familiar ESPN personality.
Scott Van Pelt, the host of the midnight edition of SportsCenter, is reportedly in consideration to join Monday Night Countdown, according to Andrew Marchand of the New York Post. Van Pelt recently stated that he does not believe he will be hosting SportsCenter in three to five years, rendering this position a potential move away from that franchise.
Van Pelt has been employed by the network since 2001 and hosting SportsCenter solo since 2015, but he has been thinking about his future in the business of late. At the conclusion of Monday Night Football games, Van Pelt takes the air and conducts a postgame interview with commentators Joe Buck and Troy Aikman to recap the action, conveying his familiarity with the property.
Conversely, NFL Live host Laura Rutledge is also reportedly in consideration for the role. In addition to her role with the popular studio show, Rutledge also anchors the SEC Network pregame show, SEC Nation, on Saturday mornings.
She has been with the company since 2014, first starting exclusively as a reporter on SEC Network and ESPN. NFL Live recently attained record ratings to begin the year, including considerable gains in the age 18-49 demographic.
Both hosts are the frontrunners, according to Marchand, but ESPN will also consider other internal candidates to fill the position. The show will also need to adapt without Steve Young, who was part of the talent layoffs at the network.
Last year’s edition of the show also included Randy Moss, Robert Griffin III and Booger McFarland – with contributions by Adam Schefter and Chris Mortensen. Larry Fitzgerald and Alex Smith have also been at the desk to fill in as analysts, and could make sense as options to replace Young on a full-time basis.
