ESPN is seeking a new analyst for its inaugural Super Bowl halftime show following the network's decision to part ways with Ryan Clark. The departure opens a significant opportunity for an analyst to appear on one of the most-watched broadcasts of the year, with an estimated audience exceeding 140 million viewers.
Several names are reportedly being considered to fill the role on "Monday Night Countdown," which is expected to serve as ESPN's primary Super Bowl pregame and halftime coverage. Analysts Jason Kelce and Marcus Spears, along with host Scott Van Pelt, are expected to remain part of the broadcast.
Potential Replacements
Among the internal candidates, former NFL quarterback Kurt Warner is considered a strong possibility. ESPN gained access to Warner through its acquisition of NFL Network assets. As a Hall of Fame quarterback, he would bring significant playing experience to the panel, a common feature on major NFL studio shows. However, Warner currently holds the lead analyst position for Westwood One's "Monday Night Football" radio broadcasts, which include the Super Bowl. Sources suggest ESPN could leverage his existing presence for radio broadcasts to have him on site for pregame coverage, but he would need to step away from his radio duties to serve as the halftime analyst.
Steve Smith Sr., another analyst acquired from the NFL Network, is also being discussed. Smith has reportedly impressed ESPN decision-makers during appearances on "First Take." With the network planning to differentiate guest lineups between "First Take" and "Get Up," Smith could be positioned for a regular role and is a logical candidate for "Monday Night Countdown."
Dan Orlovsky is highlighted as ESPN's top daily NFL analyst and a former quarterback. He is noted for his focus on football-related topics. Orlovsky has established himself as a recognizable NFL voice through various ESPN programs, including "NFL Live," "Get Up," "First Take," and "The Pat McAfee Show." A potential scheduling conflict exists, as Orlovsky remained in New York for "Get Up" and "First Take" last season instead of traveling to Monday Night Football sites. ESPN might prefer him anchoring its morning lineup, particularly after the departure of Cam Newton, though his representatives could pursue a schedule that allows for both morning and game-day responsibilities.
Mina Kimes' name is also mentioned as a possibility, although the outlet suggests it would be a mistake for ESPN to choose her for the halftime analyst role. Given that some critics have accused ESPN of racism following Clark's departure, Kimes might be considered as a symbolic personnel move. However, selecting someone without NFL playing or coaching experience for the network's first Super Bowl halftime show could potentially diminish the goodwill ESPN has gained with football fans.
Other Considerations
Another option involves promoting an analyst from ESPN's "Sunday NFL Countdown," such as Randy Moss, Alex Smith, Rex Ryan, or Tedy Bruschi. Each of these individuals is seen as a significant upgrade over Clark, with Moss being the most prominent star from his playing career and Bruschi recognized as a strong television analyst.
ESPN could also explore adding a current or recently retired prominent player for the single broadcast, a strategy often employed by networks covering the Super Bowl. Potential candidates for this one-time appearance include Matthew Stafford, Jameis Winston, Kirk Cousins, or Joe Flacco. The possibility of pairing brothers Jason and Travis Kelce for the broadcast is also noted, with Travis Kelce expected to retire at the end of the Chiefs' season.