Molly Qerim resigned from ESPN after 10 years with the network, posting the decision Monday on Instagram Story. The longtime host of First Take is departing as contract negotiations were underway, a move that Stephen A. Smith described as "a shock" to him. Smith confirmed the exit on Tuesday's First Take episode, which did not feature Qerim.
Smith said on his daily SiriusXM program that Qerim "abruptly resigned" amid contract negotiations and that ESPN did not want to lose her. He said he has an idea of why she left, but that it is her story to tell. The Sports Business Journal reported that Qerim turned down ESPN's offer for a new contract and would depart the network at the end of 2025.
Who could replace her? Among names floated are Stephen A. Smith, Courtney Cronin, Chris 'Mad Dog' Russo, Monica McNutt, Shae Cornette, Charly Arnolt, and Christine Williamson. Cronin is a national award-winning NFL reporter for ESPN who has filled in for Qerim on multiple occasions during the summer of 2025 and is currently covering the Chicago Bears. Chris Russo is a regular debater on the show, though filling a permanent host seat could be a stretch given his on-air persona. Monica McNutt has been a solid fan favorite, particularly on Knicks broadcasts, and has hosted and analyzed across ESPN platforms. Shae Cornette is a familiar presence on SportsCenter and ESPN studio shows, having filled in for Qerim on many occasions. Charly Arnolt, a former ESPN fixture, left for OutKick in 2023, while Christine Williamson has risen across several ESPN platforms and is noted for her on-air delivery and social presence.
What’s ahead at First Take: the program is entering a new era after Qerim’s shock departure, and Smith — who signed a five-year, $105 million contract with ESPN in March — has been steering the show in the interim. Smith has also secured a three-year deal with SiriusXM worth about $36 million, per The Athletic, and is reportedly adhering to new on-air guidelines as host: speak when spoken to, no cussing, address him as Stephen A. or Mr. Stephen S., leave the 'fluid' comments to him, and avoid rude interactions.
The program’s leadership and on-air style will continue to evolve as ESPN weighs internal and external candidates to fill the chair she leaves. The network has not announced a formal replacement, and the ongoing negotiations and scheduling considerations surrounding First Take suggest a careful, marquee approach to naming a successor. The question remains how the show will maintain its dynamic with Smith at the center, while ensuring a voice that can effectively moderate debates with athletes, entertainers, and analysts alike.
As First Take moves forward, the spotlight remains on who will assume the hosting duties and how ESPN will balance the show’s signature energy with a new on-air cadence. The discussion around potential replacements reflects broader questions about talent strategy at sports media’s front-facing programs, especially those anchored by high-profile personalities and high-stakes dialogue.