• Loading stock data...
Saturday, March 29, 2025
Nominations Are Open for Front Office Sports Honors! Submit Now

ESPN Set to Name Norby Williamson Successor, Additional Cuts

  • A handful of executives are getting cut, while others will be promoted to replace them.
  • Mike McQuade and Jim Bell are the top candidates for Norby Williamson’s former job.
ESPN microphone on press table
Troy Taormina-USA TODAY Sports

ESPN content czar Burke Magnus is poised to announce a sweeping reorganization that will include naming a senior executive to replace the departed Norby Williamson, as well as the elimination of at least five management positions.

At the same time, Magnus is poised to promote several executives, and create new positions with new responsibilities, to meet his vision for 2025 and beyond. Sources say the net impact could leave roughly the same number of content positions.

Magnus, the president of content, oversees a wide purview including studio shows, live events, newsgathering, investigative journalism, ESPN Films, audio, digital, and social media. I’m hearing he could announce his reorganization as soon as next week. A handful of executives in Bristol have already been privately notified about the changes, according to sources. But any pink slips issued will be small compared to the sweeping cross-departmental layoffs conducted in waves last year. 

Magnus has been interviewing executives to replace Norby Williamson, whom he dropped back in April. It will be a powerful job, with a lot of responsibilities. But it won’t exactly mirror the duties of Williamson, who served 40 years at ESPN. Among the contenders, sources say, are respected ESPN exec Mike McQuade and former NBC Sports Olympic show-runner Jim Bell. 

McQuade is described as a talented, hard-working, ESPN “lifer” who stood up to the hard-charging Williamson. Williamson’s long run came to an end after he clashed with Magnus and Pat McAfee, who called him a “rat” who was attempting to “sabotage” his program.

“He and Norby used to have a bit of a rocky relationship, but his talent made it that [Williamson] needed Mike to lead some important properties,” said one source familiar with internal ESPN politics. “His appointment will make old-school ESPNers happy. Mike is a bit mercurial, especially to those he doesn’t know well. He’s famous internally for his brief communications—and sometimes gruff comportment.”

On the talent side, ESPN recently let go of Samantha Ponder and Robert Griffin III to save money before the end of parent Walt Disney Co.’s fiscal year, which ends Oct. 1. The network named Mike Greenberg, host of Get Up, to fill the Sunday NFL Countdown host chair long held by the legendary Chris Berman. 

ESPN declined to comment for this story.


Michael McCarthy’s “Tuned In” column is at your fingertips every week with the latest insights and ongoings around sports media. If he hears it, you will, too.

This September, the column will come to life as a one-day event bringing together industry experts to discuss media trends and the future of fan viewership. The event will take place in New York on Sept. 10 at Times Center (242 W. 41st St.).

REQUEST TO ATTEND

Linkedin
Whatsapp
Copy Link
Link Copied
Link Copied

What to Read

Mar 27, 2025; Newark, NJ, USA; Alabama Crimson Tide guard Chris Youngblood (8) and the Alabama Crimson Tide bench celebrate during the second half against the Brigham Young Cougars during an East Regional semifinal of the 2025 NCAA tournament at Prudential Center.

How Alabama Became College Basketball’s Newest Juggernaut

The Crimson Tide have found success rivaling their historic football program.

NCAA Denies Colorado-Syracuse Spring Football Game

The schools hoped for permission to organize a formal scrimmage.
Matt Weiss

Everything You Need to Know About the Michigan Hacking Scandal

Matt Weiss is accused of hacking athletes’ accounts to access intimate photos.

UFL Kicking Off 2025 Season With Labor Fight Still Simmering

The league’s first game is still on, even without a labor deal in place.

Featured Today

Kendall Coyne Schofield

Kendall Coyne Schofield Wants More for the Next Wave of Mom-Athletes

The Walter Cup–winning Frost captain says small changes mean “everything.”
Dec 21, 2024; Hartford, Connecticut, USA; UConn Huskies guard Paige Bueckers (5) looks to pass the ball against USC Trojans guard JuJu Watkins (12) in the first half at XL Center.
March 23, 2025

‘More Value to Be Had’: Were Women’s March Madness Media Rights Undersold?

Could the NCAA have gotten millions more in its latest TV deal?
Mar 20, 2025; Lexington, KY, USA; Creighton Bluejays forward Jasen Green (0) dunks the ball during the second half against the Louisville Cardinals in the first round of the NCAA Tournament at Rupp Arena
March 22, 2025

Basketball-Only Schools Could See Power Surge After House Settlement Approval 

Football teams might monopolize the revenue-sharing dollars at power conference schools.
Mar 15, 2025; New York, NY, USA; St. John's Red Storm guard RJ Luis Jr. (12) after hitting a three-point basket against the Creighton Bluejays in the second half at Madison Square Garden.
March 20, 2025

Perfect Storm: St. John’s Biggest Fans Can’t Bet on the School

In the No. 1 sports betting market, the Red Storm are off-limits.
exclusive

NFL Network’s Peter Schrager in Serious Talks With ESPN

Schrager is a co-host of Good Morning Football and Fox NFL contributor.
Mar 31, 2024; San Antonio, TX, USA; San Antonio Brahmas quarterback Chase Garbers (14) scores a touchdown between DC Defenders linebacker Anthony Hines III (57), defensive end Trent Harris (33), and cornerback Michael Joseph (15) in the second half at The Alamodome.
exclusive
March 27, 2025

What Fox, ESPN Will Do If UFL Players Go on Strike

Health insurance is a major sticking point among UFL players.
opinion
March 27, 2025

ESPN Has a Lot to Lose in LeBron–Stephen A. Smith War of..

Smith and James have blasted each other on ESPN platforms this week.
Sponsored

How UBS Crafts Impactful Partnerships Across Sports, Arts, and Culture

As UBS continues to expand its impressive array of sports and entertainment partnerships, the company solidifies its position as a leader in wealth management.
March 26, 2025

ESPN Shutting LA SportsCenter Production, 35 Jobs Affected

The employees will have the option of moving to Bristol, CT.
Apr 10, 2022; Denver, Colorado, USA; Los Angeles Lakers center Dwight Howard (39) during the second half against the Denver Nuggets at Ball Arena.
exclusive
March 26, 2025

4 Big NBA Player Podcasts Are On the Move to Blue Wire

Podcasts hosted by former NBA players have grown into their own cottage industry.
March 26, 2025

LeBron James Slams Stephen A. Smith Over Bronny Comments

James slammed Smith while appearing on ESPN’s “Pat McAfee Show.”
exclusive
March 25, 2025

Netflix Passes on NFL Draft Rights As Fox, Streamers Battle

ESPN and NFL Network currently hold rights to broadcast the draft.