ESPN is taking time to experiment with potential replacements for Molly Qerim, the longtime host of its morning show First Take, after she announced her departure following a decade with the network.
Burke Magnus, ESPN president of content, told The Athletic that the network plans to test a variety of in-house talent over the next 30 to 45 days before making a final decision. Magnus praised Qerim as “an awesome person” and said her exit was not a reflection of any conflict or controversy.
“I don’t know if it’ll be someone in-house or not,” Magnus said. “We’re not locked into anything in particular. The one thing that was unexpected was the timing of all this. She put out a statement because there was a report on it. So it kind of got out of our respective controls once that happened. While we knew we were going to make a change. Her deal ran through the end of the year—we were more focused on that timeline.”
As for a timeline on how long the tryouts will be, Magnus said they could do into October or potentially as late as early November.
“We’re going to take probably about 30 to 45 days to try a variety of in-house people because we can do that on the show,” said Magnus. “Then we’ll make a decision shortly after that.”
The timeline accelerated after a Sports Business Journal report on Monday indicated Qerim would be leaving ESPN by the end of the year and would not appear on the show moving forward. Qerim, 41, has been with ESPN since 2006. Initially working on digital and mobile platforms before taking over as First Take host in 2015.
“After much reflection, I’ve decided it’s time to close this incredible chapter and step away from First Take,” Qerim wrote on her Instagram story Tuesday. “Hosting this show has been one of the greatest honors of my career. Every morning, I had the privilege of sharing the desk with some of the most brilliant, passionate, and entertaining voices in sports—and with all of you, the best fans in the world. I’m so grateful for what this journey has given me. Lifelong friendships, unforgettable memories, and the chance to be part of something truly special.”
Qerim reportedly received a contract extension offer from ESPN but chose to move on, according to Sports Business Journal. While Magnus confirmed the network engaged Qerim in discussions about new roles beyond First Take. She ultimately opted for a clean break.
“Molly Qerim is a wonderful person and an unbelievable teammate and colleague,” Magnus said in a separate interview that will be published on the Sports Media Podcast in the coming days per The Athletic. “We were in a renewal conversation and exploring other opportunities for her. Ten years on a show like that is a long time. I think she felt it was time to explore other things. We tried to create a broader role for her. Ultimately it became more about her wanting to turn the page. There’s no controversy here—she’s an awesome person, and it’s just business.”
Qerim declined to comment through her agent when contacted by The Athletic.
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