Report: ESPN's Max Kellerman Headed To Morning Radio

Clutchpoints Screen shot 8/19/21

Max Kellerman is expected to be removed from ESPN’s “First Take,” the show in which he and Stephen A. Smith verbally battle each other for hot-take supremacy, reports the NY Post citing sources.

This is not the end of Kellerman at ESPN, as he is likely headed for the network’s morning national radio show to be teamed with Keyshawn Johnson, according to sources. Under the scenario, Kellerman would replace Zubin Mehenti. It is unclear if Jay Williams will remain on the program as it is a bit onerous with his NBA role. If everything is signed, the changes are expected to go through next month.

Kellerman is also likely to have an afternoon TV show with 2 p.m. the anticipated time slot, according to sources. ESPN currently runs “Jalen & Jacoby” and “Highly Questionable” from 2-3 p.m. Those shows could be potentially moved to ESPN2. Kellerman already does a boxing-focused program.

Front Office Sports first reported that Kellerman could be out from “First Take.” ESPN declined comment.

On “First Take,” ESPN does not plan on replacing Kellerman with anyone in particular. Instead, a rotation of verbal sparring partners will likely make the short walk over each morning from another ESPN show, “Get Up,” which is located in the same Seaport studios. Molly Qerim is expected to continue to host, but Smith is the undisputed star.

Kellerman’s removal from “First Take” has been in the offing for a long time, as Smith has further cemented himself as the face of ESPN.

Smith, who signed a five-year, $60 million deal with ESPN in 2019, has often appeared disenchanted with Kellerman.

Originally, ESPN Radio wanted to pair Kellerman with Johnson on its morning show when it shook up its entire lineup last fall. But Kellerman ended up doing a two-hour afternoon radio program heard nationally while Johnson teamed with Williams and Mehenti. Mehenti has been out for much of the year due to complications from diabetes.

Alan Hahn has filled in for Mehenti, and has been positioned to potentially take over for him full-time.

Kellerman, though, is now the leading candidate to be on mornings as he is soon expected to have his last take on “First Take.”