It seems another prominent persona will be joining Bill Simmons and Keith Olbermann on the scrap heap of former ESPN employees. Colin Cowherd, a radio and television host, who has been with the Worldwide Leader since 2003, is expected to leave the network sometime in the near future, according to a recent report from The Big Lead.
"Colin Cowherd, a prominent national voice on ESPN radio since 2003, is leaving the network, multiple industry sources tell The Big Lead. While no destination is finalized, talks are progressing towards a deal with Fox Sports."
Cowherd's purported exit continues a disturbing trend for the Bristol-based network. Simmons' own departure earlier this year was much-publicized, and Olbermann left amid reports that ESPN had asked him to quit doing "commentary."
Simmons' ousting especially seemed to be something of a blow to Cowherd. He discussed the Grantland architect's messy public dismissal on his show in May and indicated that, while companies like ESPN could stand to lose one star, they wouldn't be able to withstand the losses of several of them at one time.
Well, it seems that Cowherd's own words may prove eerily prophetic, as Simmons, Olbermann and now Cowherd himself seem to be headed out ESPN's big, ornate door.
"We've enjoyed a mutually beneficial run with Colin for over a decade," ESPN president John Skipper told TBL in a statement. "He came to national prominence on ESPN with his unique perspective on sports and society. Endings also bring new beginnings, for ESPN and Colin, and we thank him and wish him the best."
The potential move from ESPN to Fox Sports makes sense for Cowherd - his deal is expiring and Jamie Horowitz, the new President of Fox Sports, produced the SportsNation show that featured Cowherd and Michelle Beadle and also produced Cowherd's Sunday morning football program.
It's uncertain what role Cowherd would take on if he did join Fox Sports, but based on his own recent comments, it very well may involve something other than radio.
"In the next 5-10 years, I don't even think they'll have radios in cars," Cowherd said while appearing on About Sports Radio podcast with Zach McCrite. "I think podcast and digital and Sirius is the future. I think terrestrial - AM especially - is done in five years."
