After 5 Years, ESPN's Max Kellerman Could Be Leaving ESPN's 'First Take'

USA Today's FTW

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In the world of sports broadcasting, ESPN is at the top of the food chain. With popular contributors like Stephen A. Smith, Scott Van Pelt, and Sage Steele, they have a talented and star-studded cast of anchors, reporters, and analysts.

One of the most popular faces of the network is Max Kellerman, a co-host of the popular morning show, 'First Take.' Over the past five years, he and Stephen A. have worked together to offer new perspectives and analyses on the world of athletics.

Unfortunately for fans, his time on the show may actually be coming to an end.

(via Front Office Sports)

Kellerman could leave his debate chair opposite Stephen A. Smith and Molly Qerim Rose for more extended duty on TV and ESPN Radio, sources told Front Office Sports.

The decision is not finalized, said sources, but if Kellerman leaves, Smith is not expected to have a daily debate partner. Instead, he could debate various ESPN personalities as well as high-profile guests.

While fans remain split on the quality of First Take as a whole, there is real chemistry between Kellerman and Stephen A. and their place across from each other has definitely been a positive viewing experience.

Of course, even with Max's future on the show in doubt, he will continue to be a prominent and regular face/voice for the network.

Even if if Kellerman leaves “First Take,” he’s still expected to play a very prominent role on ESPN. He’s hosted the eponymous “Max Kellerman Show” on ESPN Radio since 2020. He also has his own boxing TV show on ESPN2.

Sources speculated Kellerman could also join the morning radio show, “Keyshawn, JWill & Zubin,” with Keyshawn Johnson, Jay Williams and Zubin Mehenti. Mehenti has missed significant time on the show due to health problems.

So, the big question now is who will replace him?

Since the show started, First Take has undergone a number of changes. Skip Bayless and Cari Champion have both been replaced with very capable individuals.

If Max really is on the way out, ESPN will have their hands full trying to replace him. Kendrick Perkins, Damien Woody, and Mike Greenberg are all intriguing candidates.

But whether or not Mr. Kellerman will even leave, and who the network might bring in to replace him if he does, is something we'll just have to wait and see for ourselves.