The sports media world got rocked by unexpected news this week.
A beloved television host just pulled the plug on her career at the Worldwide Leader in Sports.
And Stephen A Smith revealed one timing detail about Molly Qerim’s ESPN exit that caught everyone off guard.
Molly Qerim’s sudden departure leaves First Take in chaos
Molly Qerim had been the steady presence on ESPN’s First Take for a decade.
She’d mastered the impossible job of keeping Stephen A. Smith and his rotating cast of debate opponents in line while millions of viewers watched.
Monday night brought shocking news when Austin Karp of Sports Business Journal reported that Qerim was planning to leave ESPN when her contract expires at the end of 2025.¹
But here’s where things get interesting.
The report suggested ESPN had months to figure out their next move and transition plans.
Qerim herself wasn’t thrilled about how the news leaked out.
She took to Instagram Stories to confirm her departure, writing: "Now that the news came out earlier than I intended, and not in the way I hoped…"²
The 41-year-old host explained her decision with grace, calling her time on First Take "one of the greatest honors of my career."
"After much reflection, I’ve decided it’s time to close this incredible chapter and step away from First Take," Qerim wrote. "Every morning, I had the privilege of sharing the desk with some of the most brilliant, passionate, and entertaining voices in sports – and with all of you, the best fans in the world."³
Stephen A. Smith drops the real bombshell about timing
Tuesday morning’s episode of First Take revealed the story everyone missed.
Stephen A. Smith opened the show alone – and his words made it clear this wasn’t some gradual transition.
"Good morning and welcome to First Take," Smith began. "Normally, our friend Molly Qerim would greet you, however, Molly announced last night she would be departing from ESPN."⁴
Wait a minute.
The reports said she was leaving at the end of the year.
But Smith’s choice of words – and Qerim’s complete absence from Tuesday’s show – told a different story.
"She’s hosted First Take for 10 years and elevated the show with her grace, her expertise and her incomparable kindness," Smith continued. "She’s been an enormous part of our success for a decade."⁵
The emotion in Smith’s voice was unmistakable as he delivered what sounded like a final farewell.
"Not only did she keep me and many others in line, she did it with dignity and class and kindness, to say the least," he added. "We’ll miss her and wish her every blessing on her future. I personally am grateful to her for her friendship, and I will miss spending every weekday morning with her right by my side."⁶
ESPN scrambles as departure timeline collapses
Here’s what nobody saw coming.
Qerim hosted First Take Monday morning and gave no indication it would be her last show.
By Tuesday, Stephen A. Smith was sitting in the host chair – a role he rarely takes on when Qerim is simply out for the day.
ESPN typically brings in fill-in hosts when Qerim needs time off.
But having Smith handle both hosting duties and his usual commentary role suggested something far more immediate than a planned year-end departure.
Sources told Sports Business Journal that ESPN had offered Qerim a contract extension, but she chose to move on.⁷
The network was clearly caught off guard by how quickly things moved from contract negotiations to an empty chair.
ESPN’s President of Content Burke Magnus issued a statement confirming Qerim’s departure and praising her contributions.
"Molly has been an integral part of ESPN since 2006 and a key driver of First Take’s success since joining as host a decade ago," Magnus said. "She elevated the show with her poise, skill, and professionalism, while supporting others as a kind and encouraging teammate."⁸
The real story behind Qerim’s ESPN legacy
Look, Molly Qerim walked into one of the toughest jobs in sports television and made it look easy for ten years.
Managing Stephen A. Smith’s energy while keeping debates on track and millions of viewers engaged isn’t something just anyone can do.
She joined ESPN back in 2006, working her way up from digital platforms to hosting college football and fantasy shows.
When First Take needed a new host in 2015, Qerim stepped in as a fill-in and never left.
Her ability to balance strong personalities while maintaining authority made her one of the most respected hosts in sports broadcasting.
The show became appointment television under her guidance, with Smith and various co-hosts like Max Kellerman and later Shannon Sharpe delivering the fireworks while Qerim kept everything running smoothly.
What this means for ESPN’s flagship morning show
The timing of this departure couldn’t be worse for ESPN.
First Take remains one of the network’s most valuable properties, driving viewership and social media engagement every weekday morning.
Qerim’s exit comes just months after Shannon Sharpe left the show following a legal settlement.
Now ESPN faces the challenge of finding someone who can step into Qerim’s shoes and maintain the chemistry that’s made First Take such a success.
Smith will likely continue hosting duties in the short term, but that’s not a sustainable long-term solution.
The network needs someone who can command respect from guests, manage heated debates, and connect with viewers – all while working alongside one of sports media’s biggest personalities.
Qerim ended her Instagram post with "Stay tuned :)" suggesting she already knows what’s next in her career.
For ESPN, the search for her replacement just became their most important hiring decision of the year.
¹ Austin Karp, "Molly Qerim leaving ESPN’s First Take," Sports Business Journal, September 15, 2025.
² Molly Qerim, Instagram Stories post, September 16, 2025.
³ Ibid.
⁴ Stephen A. Smith, First Take opening segment, ESPN, September 16, 2025. Quote verified from multiple sources including Awful Announcing and Sports Illustrated.
⁵ Ibid.
⁶ Ibid.
⁷ Austin Karp, "Molly Qerim leaving ESPN’s First Take," Sports Business Journal, September 15, 2025.
⁸ Burke Magnus statement, ESPN PR, September 16, 2025.
