Molly Qerim announced she will step away from ESPN’s morning debate show First Take after declining a new contract offer, saying the news “came out earlier than I intended.” ESPN acknowledged Qerim’s departure and praised her decade-long role as host, but both the network and Qerim did not specify when her final episode will air.
Qerim posted the announcement to her Instagram Story Tuesday morning, writing that after “much reflection” she had decided to “close this incredible chapter and step away from First Take.” The revelation came hours after Sports Business Journal reported that Qerim had turned down ESPN’s offer and would leave the network at the end of the year; Qerim said she had hoped the news would not be revealed in that way.
Burke Magnus, president of content at ESPN, released a statement shortly after Qerim’s post, calling her “an integral part of ESPN since 2006 and a key driver of ‘First Take’s’ success since joining as host a decade ago.” Magnus added, “She elevated the show with her poise, skill and professionalism, while supporting others as a kind and encouraging teammate. We respect Molly’s decision, wish her the best in the future and thank her for her extraordinary daily commitment to sports fans and ESPN.”
Qerim, an Emmy Award winner, began hosting First Take in 2015 after returning to ESPN following roles at CBS Sports and NFL Network. She first joined ESPN in 2006, contributing to the network’s digital and mobile platforms and winning an Emmy in 2008 for her work on Fantasy Football Now. During her career she has covered college football and basketball and hosted programs including NFL AM and NFL Fantasy Live.
The host thanked viewers in her message and added a brief note about her future plans: “Stay tuned,” followed by a smiley-face emoji. Neither she nor ESPN provided a timeline for her final show or detailed plans for replacement hosts on First Take, a program that pairs protracted debate among personalities with live viewer engagement each morning.
First Take has been one of ESPN’s high-profile opinion-driven programs, featuring regular contributors and rotating guests who discuss current sports topics. Qerim took over hosting duties in 2015 and played a central role in moderating conversations among prominent voices on the program, including Stephen A. Smith and other recurring panelists.
Industry observers noted that talent movement and contract negotiations are common in sports media, but the public disclosure of Qerim’s decision before a coordinated announcement prompted her comment that the story “didn’t come out the way I hoped.” ESPN’s statement framed her departure as a mutual transition and expressed gratitude for her years of service.
Qerim is a Connecticut native and a University of Connecticut graduate. Over nearly two decades in sports media, she has built a presence across television platforms and live events, including appearances on panels and at fan-facing conventions. As of Tuesday, she and ESPN had not announced subsequent professional plans; the network did not indicate when it would name an interim or permanent host to replace her on First Take.
The move closes a significant chapter for the program, which has relied on a blend of debate, analysis and personality-driven segments to maintain morning viewership. Qerim’s departure will prompt scheduling and hosting discussions at ESPN as the network prepares for the remainder of the year, while viewers and industry watchers await details about her next steps and how First Take’s lineup will evolve.