Big changes are being made at ESPN ahead of the 2026 NFL season getting underway.
The broadcasting company have fired a number of their analysts over recent days, with the Ryan Clark exit making the biggest noise.
Various ESPN members have spoken about the cost-cutting exercises being made as some of their colleagues are now required to find themselves a new job.
It is only a matter of weeks until the new NFL season gets underway, with the Seattle Seahawks hosting the New England Patriots on Wednesday, September 10.
Clark will not be working for ESPN throughout their build-up to the game in the Pacific Northwest and neither will former Patriots quarterback Cam Newton.
But they are just two of many ESPN firings to have been announced since the start of the week.
Which analysts ESPN have fired ahead of the 2026 NFL season
On Wednesday morning, Tom Pelissero announced his exit from ESPN in what was perhaps the biggest shock yet.
The list of ESPN casualties continues to grow:
- Ryan Clark
- Karl Ravech
- Tom Pelissero
- David Lloyd
- Stephania Bell
- Charles Davis
- Cam Newton
- Bart Scott
- Andreas Hale
- Dan Hajducky
Take Karl Ravech, for example: his career at ESPN has spanned 33 years, and he was last in action on Monday evening, calling the Dodgers-Phillies game.
Newton only signed a multi-year deal with ESPN back in August of last year. He has now been informed his services are no longer required.
Pelissero remains one of the biggest firings as the established NFL insider has earned the reputation as one of the best reporters in the business.
What ESPN chairman James Pitaro told employees
In a memo obtained by Front Office Sports, James Pitaro made an attempt to explain the reasoning behind ESPN’s decision to make the necessary cuts.
“Throughout this process, we have taken the time to carefully evaluate our collective teams, resources and organizational structure to best position us for the future.
“As a result, we had to make some difficult decisions about job impacts that we will be communicating today.”
Although budget cuts are not uncommon, to lose some of the highly-regarded names like Pelissero remains a major shock.
Receive exclusive football transfer news and updates twice a week to your mailbox
