Molly McGrath is migrating from ESPN’s college football coverage to the NFL side, the network confirmed to Front Office Sports.
McGrath will be the sideline reporter on NFL Network’s package of games as well as the top fill-in host on NFL Live when Laura Rutledge is out.
“I’m thrilled to expand my role within ESPN’s NFL coverage and for the opportunity to showcase a broader range of skills, from sideline reporting to hosting in studio, while diving deeper into the sport at the highest level,” McGrath told FOS in a statement.
Disney acquired NFL Network in exchange for a 10% stake in ESPN earlier this year. The formerly-league-owned network has seven regular-season games this year. Dave Pasch is expected to be the lead play-by-play broadcaster for this package, and the color commentator(s) has yet to be announced.
McGrath has had a fascinating journey at ESPN. Her first job after graduating from Boston College was as a production assistant at the network. She later returned as a sideline reporter and host for college football and basketball in 2016. For the last three seasons, she worked with Sean McDonough and Greg McElroy.
“Joining ESPN’s NFL coverage during its Year of the Super Bowl makes this moment even more special and fulfills a lifelong dream,” McGrath said. “I’m grateful to ESPN for this opportunity and excited to bring the same preparation, passion, and commitment that have guided my work in college football to our NFL audience.”
