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Molly Qerim’s ESPN exit rocked the sports television world this week when the “First Take” host resigned in a note posted Monday to her Instagram Story.
Qerim announced her decision to leave the Worldwide Leader after 10 years of working alongside “First Take” star and executive producer Stephen A. Smith, who said the news “came as a shock” to him.
Smith confirmed his co-star’s exit on Tuesday’s installment of “First Take,” which did not feature Qerim.
During his daily SiriusXM show, Smith explained that Qerim “abruptly resigned” amid contract negotiations with ESPN, adding the company did not want to lose her.
Smith also said he has an idea of why Qerim left, but that it is her story to tell.
Qerim’s announcement came hours after Sports Business Journal reported that she turned down ESPN’s offer for a new contract and would depart the network at the end of 2025.
Now the question is, who will replace Qerim as host of “First Take?” Here is a list of potential replacements.
Stephen A. Smith
Smith immediately filled in as the host upon Qerim’s departure, but it’s hard to believe that the star of his own show will take on a permanent host position. Then again, it is his show.
Qerim did an exceptional job keeping “First Take” on track and controlling Smith’s over-the-top debates with anyone from current and retired athletes to rappers and entertainers.
Smith, taking home nearly $40 million a year, per The Athletic, with his roles at ESPN and SiriusXM along with his YouTube channel and podcast, will need another strong voice to make his job as easy as Qerim did.
Courtney Cronin
A national award-winning journalist and NFL reporter for ESPN, Courtney Cronin is currently covering the Chicago Bears. Although she’s more of a traditional reporter, Cronin dazzled when she filled in for Qerim on many occasions during the summer of 2025.
Chris ‘Mad Dog’ Russo
Chris “Mag Dog” Russo is a regular debater on the show, and many times, he’s louder than Smith. So, it would be odd to see him in the host seat in a more toned-down capacity.
Monica McNutt
There was the Barry Sanders blunder that turned some fans off — however, Monica McNutt has been a solid fan favorite, especially on the Knicks broadcasts.
McNutt — a basketball analyst, host and reporter based in New York City — faced scrutiny for mistaking a jersey belonging to legendary NFL running back Barry Sanders for Browns rookie quarterback Shedeur Sanders when she filled in for Qerim on “First Take” in August 2025.
McNutt would be a great fit for “First Take” because she’s gone back and forth with Smith before as an analyst on the show. She also appears across other shows and covers the WNBA.
Shae Cornette
Shae Cornette is a host of “SportsCenter” and ESPN studio shows on both TV and radio. She’s filled in for Qerim on many occasions and has proven she can hold her own and voice her opinions while facilitating the show.
Charly Arnolt
A former favorite for many, Charly Arnolt was a host at ESPN who covered UFC and WWE, and filled in for Qerim frequently.
Arnolt left ESPN in April 2023 for OutKick.
Christine Williamson
Another fan favorite, Christine Williamson’s rise in front of the camera has been proven across multiple ESPN platforms and shows.
Fans also enjoy her relatable social media presence, fashion and witty delivery.
What’s ahead at ‘First Take’
With the program entering a new era following the shock departure of Qerim, Smith — the recipient of a massive five-year, $105 million contract from ESPN in March — has been taking the wheel.
The sports media powerhouse, who reached a three-year deal with SiriusXM that The Athletic reported is worth $36 million, is adhering to new “rules” when in the host’s seat.
As shared on-air Wednesday, Smith’s guidelines when hosting include: speak when spoken to, no cussing, address him as Stephen A. or Mr. Stephen S., leave the ‘fluid’ comments to him and no rude interactions.
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