ESPN Fires Jeff Van Gundy
When ESPN fired Rob Ninkovich just a few days ago, we knew it was only the tip of the iceberg of what was to come. A report came out today that ESPN was getting ready to fire at least 20 people today. Well, it turns out one big fish is being laid off. I can’t believe I’m typing this but ESPN has fired Jeff Van Gundy.
“ESPN has let go its top NBA game analyst Jeff Van Gundy, The Post has learned.”
“Van Gundy, 61, has been with ESPN for 16 years, calling the Finals with play-by-player Mike Breen and co-game analyst, Mark Jackson.”
“The Post reported Friday morning ESPN is letting go of around 20 on-air personalities in an effort to save tens of millions of dollars.”
What an absolute shocker! Van Gundy, 61, had spent the last 16 years with ESPN. Van Gundy had built amazing chemistry with Mark Jackson and Mike Breen calling nearly 100 NBA Finals games.
The report from the NY Post also says that JJ Redick, Doris Burke, and Richard Jefferson are internal candidates to possibly replace Van Gundy. That part really isn’t a surprise. The curveball is Doc Rivers who apparently could join ESPN if he’s not hired as a coach. After being let go by the 76ers, Doc is still out there on the open market. Maybe his next home is ESPN as the Van Gundy replacement.
I didn’t agree with everything Van Gundy said but he always made you think and was highly entertaining. That’s all you can ever ask for out of a broadcaster. I think ESPN made a big mistake here and wouldn’t be surprised at all if TNT scoops up Van Gundy. Brother Stan Van Gundy is already doing great work with TNT as a broadcaster. Having them as a duo would be highly entertaining.
