• Loading stock data...
Thursday, April 24, 2025

Football Czar Lee Fitting Is Out At ESPN

  • SVP oversaw “Monday Night Football,’ ‘College GameDay’ and College Football Playoff.
  • Powerful executive Norby Williamson is building a new production team.
Troy Aikman and Joe Buck
Joe Faraoni / ESPN Images)

With football season starting this week, ESPN has suffered another critical loss.

Lee Fitting, the respected senior vice president of production overseeing key properties like “Monday Night Football” and “College GameDay,” is out after 25 years with the company, sources confirmed to Front Office Sports. 

It’s unclear who, if anybody, will succeed Fitting in into the role.

Dan Zaksheske of Outkick first reported the news about Fitting. By 5 p.m. ET on Monday, Fitting’s bio was purged from ESPN’s press site.

“This is a major shakeup for the company just prior to the start of football season. Fitting’s oversight responsibilities included some of ESPN’s biggest properties, including Monday Night Football, the College Football Playoff, and College GameDay. Fitting also oversaw the SEC Network,” reported Outkick. “Essentially, if the programming included football, Lee Fitting was in charge. But that’s no longer the case.”

Fitting’s departure can be partly traced to a recent behind-the-scenes shakeup of ESPN’s executive ranks.

In June, Norby Williamson, executive editor and head of event and studio production, assumed the powerful role as the new chief of all football production at ESPN, including NFL, College Football, and XFL.

The NFL is King inside ESPN – especially with the network poised to televise its first two Super Bowls after the 2026 and 2030 seasons.

ESPN layoffs continue.

Bad Day In Bristol: ESPN Axing 20 On-Air Talents

Long time NBA analyst Jeff Van Gundy has been swept out in…
June 30, 2023

The promotion made Williamson one of the most powerful executives in Bristol, along with chairman Jimmy Pitaro and president of content Burke Magnus.

Fitting previously reported to Stephenie Druley, executive vice president of event and studio production. But once Williamson landed the football power job, he started rearranging a new team.

Williamson announced Fitting was “no longer with the company” in an internal memo Monday.

“ESPN’s world-class football team is busy preparing for the start of the season, and I know this incredible team will continue their focus on delivering for sports fans.”

Williamson added he will address the new structure of ESPN’s football production lineup at a town hall on Aug. 29.

In late June, ESPN recently wrapped up a painful series of layoffs that saw football talents such as Suzy Kolber, Keyshawn Johnson and Steve Young get pink-slipped.

During a previous round of layoffs in April, ESPN let go several top-ranking executives such as ESPN+ boss Russell Wolff, senior director of digital audio programming Peter Gianesini and beloved communications ace Mike Soltys.

ESPN declined to comment. 

Linkedin
Whatsapp
Copy Link
Link Copied
Link Copied

What to Read

Jan 21, 2025; Atlanta, GA, USA; College Football Playoff executive director Rich Clark speaks during the CFP National Championship Host Committee handoff press conference at The Westin Peachtree Plaza, Savannah Ballroom.

CFP Meetings End With No Major Changes to 12-Team Playoff—for Now

For now, the complicated seeding process will remain in place.
exclusive

Fox, Shannon Sharpe Settled Physical Incident With Female PA

Sharpe’s reps confirm a past “physical” incident was settled by Fox.
Cristina Daglas
exclusive

ESPN Executive Editor Cristina Daglas Out After HR Investigation

Daglas was placed on administrative leave in January.

ESPN Nears Draft Rights Extension Amid NFL-Disney Talks

The league has not signed its next NFL Draft media-rights deals.

Featured Today

Apr 5, 2025; San Antonio, TX, USA; Duke Blue Devils forward Cooper Flagg (2) reacts after a three point basket against the Houston Cougars during the first half in the semifinals of the men's Final Four of the 2025 NCAA Tournament at the Alamodome.

Cooper Flagg’s Timing Is Perfect for the NBA and USA Basketball

The projected No. 1 pick just declared for the draft.
Apr 14, 2025; New York, New York, USA; Paige Bueckers is interviewed by ESPN after being selected with the number one overall pick to the Dallas Wings in the 2025 WNBA Draft at The Shed at Hudson Yards
April 21, 2025

ESPN’s WNBA Coverage Mirrors the League’s Stunning Growth

“I don’t think we stand still in our coverage of women’s sports,” says Rowe.
Mar 16, 2025; Milwaukee, Wisconsin, USA; Oklahoma City Thunder guard Shai Gilgeous-Alexander (2) celebrates with guard Isaiah Joe (11) after score in the fourth quarter against the Milwaukee Bucks at Fiserv Forum.
April 20, 2025

Unorthodox OKC: The Thunder Redefined Tanking to Become NBA’s Best

A rebuild years in the making has OKC in the driver’s seat.
Mar 13, 2020; Augusta, GA, USA; The front entrance at Augusta National Golf Club in Augusta, Ga., Friday morning. The Masters Tournament has been postponed due to coronavirus concerns.
opinion
April 20, 2025

What’s It Like to Play Augusta? A Day on the World’s Most..

Inside a round at the most exclusive club in the world.

Comcast Leans On Sports As Revenue Slides and Cord-Cutting Grows

NBC Sports’ rights portfolio remains a company bedrock.
Multiple streaming services appear on a Roku TV.
April 23, 2025

Roku’s New Plan to Relieve Streaming Headaches

The streaming company introduces new tools to direct fans to games.
FuboTV signage
April 23, 2025

Disney’s Fubo Takeover Now Faces DOJ Antitrust Review

The deal struck by the ESPN parent company could be in jeopardy.
Sponsored

Game On: Portfolio Players Stories, Brought to You by E*TRADE from Morgan Stanley

This week, Two-time Super Bowl Champion and CBS NFL analyst Logan Ryan joins us to talk the business of sports on our third installment of Portfolio Players.
Apr 20, 2025; Boston, Massachusetts, USA; Boston Celtics forward Jayson Tatum (0) during the first half against the Orlando Magic at TD Garden.
April 22, 2025

NBA Playoffs Deliver Most-Watched Opening Weekend in 25 Years

It was the most-watched opening weekend on ESPN platforms.
Shannon Sharpe
April 21, 2025

Shannon Sharpe Accused of Rape in Civil Lawsuit

The case was filed by an anonymous woman in Nevada.
Netflix
April 17, 2025

Netflix Rises While Markets Slide—Thanks in Part to Live Sports

The streaming giant beats financial expectations as its sports presence grows.
Lee Corso
April 17, 2025

Lee Corso Will Retire From ESPN at 90

The broadcaster is hanging up his headgear in August.