ESPN Has Finally Decided Who’s Going To Replace Skip Bayless On ‘First Take’

Following the departure of Skip Bayless, who left ESPN’s First Take for greener pastures and a TON of money with FOX Sports, the Worldwide Leader announced today that Bayless’ replacement will be Max Kellerman, who will be leaving the network’s SportsNation show.

SportsNation, which is currently one of ESPN’s highest-rated shows, loses Kellerman beginning on July 25th, with the longtime studio host excited about the new start, per ESPN’s release:

A new era of First Take will begin Monday, July 25, when Max Kellerman takes a seat at the desk with Stephen A. Smith and Molly Qerim on ESPN2’s two-hour weekday morning (10 a.m. – noon ET) live debate show.

“I’m thrilled to join the excellent team at First Take,” said Kellerman.  “Years back, on-the-air and in the hallways of ESPN Radio New York, Stephen A. and I would engage in detailed and thoughtful discussions on sports and every other topic you can imagine.  To do that again, now for the First Take audience, is going to be a lot of fun.”

Sitting across from Kellerman will remain Stephen A. Smith, who shared his feelings about the new hire, saying that he’s “ecstatic to have Max on board.”

“We’ve known one another for years. We worked at ESPN New York together and we both love our boxing. More importantly, Max is smart, quick on his feet and is never — ever — afraid to go at anyone. Just the kind of partner I wanted.  It’s time! Let’s go! Can’t wait!”

Ending his roles with both SportsNation and his radio show opposite Marcellus Wiley on July 15, Max & Marcellus, Kellerman will be making a major career jump, as he takes over a sports debate desk that’s the most-watched show in its genre.

[H/T Bleacher Report]

Nick Dimengo avatar
Nick's a Sr. Editor for BroBible, mainly relying on his Sports Encyclopedia-like mind to write about things. He's also the co-host of the BroBible podcast "We Run This," and can be seen sweating his ass off while frequently running 10+ miles around Seattle.