ESPN Reveals Replacement for Molly Qerim on 'First Take'

The Departure of Molly Qerim from "First Take"

Molly Qerim, a prominent co-host on ESPN's morning debate show "First Take," has officially left the program. Qerim, who has been with the show since 2015, made the decision to step away after much reflection. Her departure came as a surprise, as she had previously been reported to be leaving at the end of the year. However, she left the show on Tuesday morning, marking the end of her tenure.

In a heartfelt message shared on her Instagram Story, Qerim expressed her gratitude for the experiences she gained during her time on "First Take." She mentioned the privilege of working with some of the most talented and passionate voices in sports, as well as the support from the show's dedicated fan base. Qerim also highlighted the lifelong friendships and unforgettable memories that came from her journey on the show.

ESPN's president, Burke Magnus, released a statement acknowledging Qerim's contributions to the network. He praised her for being an integral part of ESPN since 2006 and for playing a key role in the success of "First Take." Magnus emphasized her poise, skill, and professionalism, as well as her supportive nature as a teammate. He expressed respect for her decision and wished her the best in her future endeavors.

The Search for a New Host

With Qerim's departure, ESPN has initiated a process to find a new host for "First Take." On Thursday, the network announced that it will hold tryouts for the position over the next 30 to 45 days. This approach allows for a variety of candidates to be considered, both within the company and potentially from outside sources.

Burke Magnus spoke with Richard Deitsch of The Athletic about the search for a new host. He mentioned that the network is not limited to in-house candidates and is open to any potential fit for the role. Magnus noted that the timing of Qerim's departure was unexpected, as the news had already been reported before the official announcement. While the network had planned for a change at the end of the year, they are now focusing on the immediate need to find a replacement.

Potential Candidates for the Role

Several names have emerged as possible replacements for Qerim on "First Take." Among them are:

• Peter Schrager, a former NFL Network analyst who joined ESPN earlier this year. Schrager has served as a fill-in host on "First Take" since joining the network and has received positive feedback from fans.

• Joy Taylor, a former Fox Sports 1 star. Taylor, whose older brother is NFL legend Jason Taylor, is currently out of a job at Fox Sports 1. She would bring experience and familiarity with the role on "First Take."

• Courtney Cronin, an NFL reporter turned ESPN personality. Cronin has served as a guest host for "First Take" during Qerim's vacation periods, showcasing her ability to handle the responsibilities of the show.

These candidates represent a mix of experienced personalities and emerging talents, each bringing their own unique perspective to the show. As ESPN continues its search, the network aims to find a host who can maintain the high standards set by Qerim while also bringing fresh energy to "First Take."