Who Replaces Molly Qerim on ‘First Take’

The shocking announcement of First Take moderator Molly Qerim leaving the leading debate television program in the country came very suddenly. Reports surfaced late Monday night that Qerim turned down a contract offer from the network. Choosing to move on to future career opportunities.

On Tuesday, Stephen A. Smith opened First Take with a personal, albeit short, open to the program expressing his appreciation for what Qerim provided the program and the network she’s called home for over a decade.

Now the search begins, and the rumors will begin to swirl. Who could replace Qerim in the role of moderator of ESPN’s top sports debate program?

Before moving to my top targets of interest, let me ask the question out loud that needs to be asked. While in search of reasoning for the decision by Qerim, I am puzzled.

Asking The Question

After Smith revealed on his SiriusXM radio show that Qerim abruptly resigned effective immediately, it sounds as if the talks between ESPN and Qerim had been going on for quite some time. Smith then said he was not aware that Qerim was contemplating leaving, nor knew of the details of the negotiations going on. Which is odd considering how much control and responsibility with the First Take program Smith has.

As the executive producer and lead talent of the show, Smith took some credit for bringing Shannon Sharpe to the First Take program two years ago. Surely there was some influence from Smith regarding the additions of Chris Russo, Cam Newton among others. “Mad Dog” even said First Take is “his show” in regards to Stephen A. Smith.

That’s why it’s odd to hear Smith say he knew nothing.

Regardless, if you believe reports online that Qerim indeed turned down a contract to remain with ESPN to pursue other ventures. You have to wonder, did Qerim request the same allowances that Smith receives from the network? Did ESPN do everything to retain Qerim if her role was as vital to the success of the show as stated by Smith and others?

Stephen A. Smith has permission from ESPN in his new agreement to build, operate, and run his own production company, as well as appear on any show or podcast he’d like to without limitation. Plus, Smith has arranged a partnership with SiriusXM, hosting two radio shows on the platform while abiding by his duties with ESPN.

If Qerim was already conceptualizing ventures outside of ESPN, did she approach the network with the ask? Could ESPN have held their guard with Stephen A. Smith’s co-host and prevented some outside opportunities from happening?

Not trying to point a finger—just asking the question that must be asked. Why so much freedom allowed for one talent on the prime morning program, but his “partner in crime” turned down a contract while exploring other opportunities?

Again, just asking the questions for answers we may never get.

However, the search begins for the new lead moderator of First Take. The day following the news, Smith ran point as best he could alongside Chris Canty and Marcus Spears. Smith is a fantastic A-talent who’s able to lead conversation with the audience. His sports radio background showed up when the situation on First Take presented itself.

If you had to pick what role Smith should have on the program, though, it’s the one he excels at best. Stephen A. Smith is a home run hitter aiming for the next grand slam. He shouldn’t be putting the ball on the tee, preparing to swing at the first pitch. Smith should always be in the batter’s box. Ready to pounce with his latest “hot take” that has made the program the success it is.

Elle Duncan

My first suggestion to replace Qerim for First Take is Elle Duncan. The versatile SportsCenter anchor has become synonymous with the 6 p.m. Eastern time slot for deep knowledge of the craft and her passion for showcasing fandom on the network. Outside of her role on SportsCenter, she’s also contributed to the network’s coverage of the women’s college basketball tournament and the WNBA. Previously, she’s worked as a sideline reporter in the NBA. A college football field reporter covering both the SEC and ACC, as well as hosting programs on NESN.

Duncan could slide into the role with ease and match wits better than anyone else with Smith and his cohorts. Speaking with Barrett Sports Media earlier this year, Duncan said she loves the challenge of sports debate.

“A debate show like First Take is chess,” said Duncan to Barrett Media in April. “If I’m going to sit across from Dan Orlovsky and tell him that I think his point is wrong—one of the best minds in football—then I need to be clear as to why, and I need to be able to pivot when the conversation turns.”

Joy Taylor

A close second in the running for the role on First Take would be the free-agent host from FS1, Joy Taylor. Taylor continues to be “on the beach” following the cancellation of Speak, which she moderated alongside Paul Pierce and Keyshawn Johnson. She has made a number of appearances to look back at her time at FOX Sports, while also teasing a future potentially in sports media.

The addition of Taylor to the program would bring instant attention. She’s played the role well for several years already. She has experience with the likes of Smith’s former teammate Skip Bayless, as well as Colin Cowherd. Taylor has the chops to bring a topic in and take it out, all while providing terrific insight and challenging top talent on their hot takes.

There is a lot of baggage with Taylor for ESPN to consider. Taylor is the host of the Two Personal Show podcast, which dives into deep conversations involving personal sexuality and societal topics. Her name was also involved with a lawsuit filed by a former FOX Sports hairstylist. The suit has since been settled. There have also been claims of Taylor engaging in relationships with fellow co-workers.

Could Taylor fill the position? Absolutely. Would the hire gain attention? Immediately. Is Taylor’s alleged past and performance at FS1 enough to add her to the ESPN brand? Time will tell.

Tony Reali

The third suggestion to replace Qerim may be a curveball for some, but it sticks out like a sore thumb. Tony Reali has not been seen on ESPN television since the final episode of Around the Horn in late May. According to Reali’s conversations leading up to the final ATH episode, his contract with the network was up in August.

What better time to announce the return of one of ESPN’s most beloved hosts back into the family?

Reali would be a breath of fresh air to the First Take brand. He’s a dynamic host who knows when to cut in, check, and allow a topic room to breathe. His infectious personality, mixed in with non-writers for the ESPN brand, would be a delightful injection of energy into the show known for “hot takes” and consistent long-winded lectures by the talent.

Many in sports media would welcome the opportunity to watch Reali and Smith clash daily, elevating the attention of the program. Reali would know his role with Smith being the star of the program, because he did it for over twenty years on Around the Horn. Tony Reali is the vessel through which the talent surrounding him are the stars.

Honorable Mentions

While those are my top three suggestions for the role on First Take, let’s not forget some honorable mentions to consider as well.

Courtney Cronin is a rising star with ESPN. She’s guest-hosted the program in Qerim’s absence and excelled when allowed the opportunity. Losing her coverage of the Chicago Bears and Minnesota Vikings would be a loss for the network, but that’s what happens with rising stars of the platform.

Michelle Smallmon would be another name to consider for the role on First Take. She’s grown a ton in her role on ESPN Radio’s flagship morning show Unsportsmanlike alongside Canty and host Evan Cohen. Losing Smallmon off the ESPN Radio brand wouldn’t harm the company much. In fact, it could prove to be a fantastic cross-promotional opportunity to have the radio audience tuned into First Take, and vice versa.

My final suggestion is an outside-the-box concept. ESPN is growing leaps and bounds digitally, with the future choosing success in the digital metrics over the traditional metrics. What better way to inject a source of influence and engagement than by placing Katie Feeney in the chair following Qerim’s departure?

ESPN hired Feeney last month as a sports and lifestyle content creator with a following of more than 14 million social media followers on several platforms. If ESPN (and executive producer Stephen A. Smith) wanted to make First Take the show leading the network into the next generation of sports fans, Feeney is the play.

Whoever is selected to fill the role will have big shoes to fill. First Take will only continue to grow as long as the content remains fresh, cutting-edge, and attentive enough to play to what matters for sports fans. The decision won’t be easy, but the result must meet the standard set by Molly Qerim and beyond.

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John Mamola

John Mamola is Barrett Media’s sports editor and daily sports columnist. He brings over two decades of experience (Chicago, Tampa/St Petersburg) in the broadcast industry with expertise in brand management, sales, promotions, producing, imaging, hosting, talent coaching, talent development, web development, social media strategy and design, video production, creative writing, partnership building, communication/networking with a long track record of growth and success. He is a five-time recognized top 20 program director in a major market via Barrett Medi’s Top 20 series and has been honored internally multiple times as station/brand of the year (Tampa, FL) and employee of the month (Tampa, FL) by iHeartMedia. Connect with John by email at John@BarrettMedia.com.