Wednesday, May 13, 2026

‘Monday Night Countdown’ Anchor Suzy Kolber Out After 27 Years at ESPN

  • Kolber is one of about 20 on-air talents to be let go Friday by ESPN.
  • After 27 years at ESPN, Kolber’s next step is “a project that gives back,” she said Friday.
Kolber has been part of Monday Night Football since 2006.
Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports

Longtime NFL reporter Suzy Kolber was let go by ESPN Friday after nearly three decades at the network.

“Today I join the many hard-working colleagues who have been laid off. Heartbreaking-but 27 years at ESPN was a good run,” Kolber tweeted. “So grateful for a 38 yr career! Longevity for a woman in this business is something I’m especially proud of. Next step- a project that gives back.”

Kolber has hosted ESPN’s “Monday Night Countdown” pregame show before NFL games since 2015, a role she took over following the passing of previous host Stuart Scott. Kolber also worked as a sideline reporter for ESPN’s Monday Night Football broadcasts and contributed to the network’s NFL Draft coverage.

“Suzy Kolber is a pioneer and a legend. She, like others laid off today, always will be remembered and missed,” tweeted ESPN NFL insider Adam Schefter.

In February, ESPN’s parent company Disney announced that it would be slashing 7,000 to save $5.5 billion in costs and make its streaming business profitable.

 “Suzy embodies the spirit of the ESPN we were raised in. An ESPN legend. She made us all look great every day and represented the company with grace and professionalism always. A sad day,” said former ESPN producer Ashok Moore.

About 20 on-air ESPN talents were fired Friday as part of Disney’s cost-cutting measures. Talent to lose their jobs in addition to Kolber includes Jalen Rose, Jeff Van Gundy, Steve Young, Max Kellerman, Keyshawn Johnson, Matt Hasselbeck, Todd McShay, Ashley Brewer, and Joon Lee, among others.

This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged.

Sign up for
The Memo Newsletter

Get the biggest stories and best analysis on the business of sports delivered to your inbox twice every weekday and twice on weekends.

This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.
Linkedin
Whatsapp
Copy Link
Link Copied
Link Copied

What to Read

Los Angeles, CA - May 8, 2026 - LAPC: Stephen A Smith and Skip Bayless on the set of First Take.

‘First Take’ Ratings Up 24% for Skip Bayless Return

The episode marked Bayless’s first ESPN appearance in a decade.
Apex, NC - February 15, 2026: Portrait of the Super Bowl LXI 61 Football.

ESPN Wants Its First Super Bowl to Be the Most-Watched Ever

Fox’s broadcast of Super Bowl LIX holds the current record.

NFL International Slate Gives Legacy Networks Bigger Stage

Legacy broadcast networks are core to this part of the schedule.
[US, Mexico & Canada customers only] Feb 8, 2026; Santa Clara, CA, USA; Seattle Seahawks head coach Mike MacDonald on the sideline against the New England Patriots during Super Bowl LX at Levi's Stadium.

Super Bowl LXI Gets the Star Treatment at Disney Upfronts

NFL commissioner Roger Goodell appears at the network’s upfront presentation.

Featured Today

How Sports Graphic Designers Are Grappling With the Rise of AI Art

The release of ChatGPT 2.0 Images sparked a conversation among sports designers.
May 12, 2026

Collectible Cups Are Sending Sports Fans Into a Frenzy

The drink is secondary to the wild vessel it comes in.
Matt Palumb
May 8, 2026

Pro Lacrosse’s Top Ref Is As Famous As the Players

The last celebrity referee is in the Premier Lacrosse League.
May 2, 2026; Atlanta, Georgia, USA; Atlanta United midfielder Saba Lobjanidze (11) reacts to his goal against the CF Montréal in the first half at Mercedes-Benz Stadium. Mandatory Credit
May 7, 2026

How Atlanta Unexpectedly Became the Epicenter of U.S. Soccer

U.S. Soccer is opening a new national HQ in Georgia.

Netflix Deepens Its NFL Ties With Expanded Five-Game Package

The streaming giant significantly increased its presence with the league.
TNT Sports
May 13, 2026

WBD Leans Further Into Sports With Paramount Deal Looming

The TNT Sports parent company pushes ahead with its own programming plans.
Mar 15, 2025; Charlotte, NC, USA; ACC commissioner Jim Phillips hands the championship trophy to Duke Blue Devils head coach Jon Scheyer after the 2025 ACC Conference Championship game against the Louisville Cardinals at Spectrum Center. Mandatory Credit: Jim Dedmon-Imagn Images
May 13, 2026

ACC Backs Duke-Amazon Deal Despite Big Ten Concerns

ACC commissioner Jim Phillips revealed ESPN was involved in the discussions.
Sponsored

What Is It Like to Run the Knicks?

Dave Checketts on his time running the Knicks & Jazz, Jordan war stories, and his investment strategy across major sports leagues.
Feb 6, 2025; New Orleans, LA, USA; A NFL shield logo on an Honors trophy at the Super Bowl LIX NFL Honors at Saenger Theatre. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images
exclusive
May 12, 2026

NFL Honors Expected to Move to Netflix

The NFL’s annual awards show is moving to streaming.
Packers fans watch as the 49ers celebrate one of their touchdowns on a giant TV screen at Mecca Sports Bar and Grill on Jan. 19, 2020.
May 12, 2026

NFL Schedule Tweaks Continue Erosion of Sunday’s Witching Hour

More standalone windows mean less inventory for “NFL RedZone.”
May 12, 2026

NFL Spotlights Legacy Networks As D.C. Streaming Criticism Mounts

Fox, NBC, and CBS each gained additional national broadcast windows.
Feb 8, 2026; Santa Clara, CA, USA; Former Super Bowl MVP Tom Brady in attendance before Super Bowl LX between the Seattle Seahawks and the New England Patriots at Levi's Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn ImagesFeb 8, 2026; Santa Clara, CA, USA; Former Super Bowl MVP Tom Brady in attendance before Super Bowl LX between the Seattle Seahawks and the New England Patriots at Levi's Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images
May 12, 2026

How Tom Brady Won the Upfronts for Fox

Fox’s lead NFL analyst is also a corporate ambassador for the network.