Colin Cowherd Departing ESPN Radio

Colin Cowherd

UPDATE 1PM:   Colin Cowherd is rumored to be going to FS1, athough it's not known in what form, nor is it known if Fox Sports Radio would be a part of the plans. Fox Sports has yet to confirm.

Original Posting...

Colin Cowherd is the next high-profile sports personality to leave ESPN.

The host of the popular ESPN Radio program The Herd with Colin Cowherd will exit before the conclusion of his contract for a job believed to be at Fox Sports. ESPN made an aggressive bid to keep Cowherd, according to The Hollywood Reporter.

"We’ve enjoyed a mutually beneficial run with Colin for over a decade. He came to national prominence on ESPN with his unique perspective on sports and society. Endings also bring new beginnings, for ESPN and Colin, and we thank him and wish him the best,” ESPN president John Skipper said in a statement.

Cowherd has been at ESPN Radio since 2003, when he was tapped to replace Tony Kornheiser in the prime morning slot. His show also is simulcast on ESPNU. A former host of ESPN's SportsNation. Cowherd, 51, is another among ESPN's outspoken personalities - he recently picked a fight with former ESPN personality Dan Patrick -- and frequent target of Deadspin.

Cowherd follows Bill Simmons and Keith Olbermann out the door at ESPN.