ESPN Is Reportedly Shaking Up Its No. 2 Broadcast Team After New NFL Network Deal
This article was originally published on Total Pro Sports.
ESPN plans a major change to its No. 2 NFL broadcast team as it moves forward with a new agreement with the league. According to Andrew Marchand of The Athletic, the network will remove Chris Fowler, Dan Orlovsky, and Louis Riddick from that crew.
Marchand reported that ESPN has started looking at new options. Jason Kelce has emerged as a “dark horse candidate” for an analyst role, although many didn’t want him to continue. Kurt Warner also remains in the mix as the network reshapes its lineup.
ESPN has not made a final call on play-by-play duties. Dave Pasch and Mike Monaco have both surfaced as strong candidates. The network continues to review its options as it prepares for a new setup.
New Deal Drives Changes
ESPN made this move after it finalized a new deal with the NFL. The agreement gave ESPN control of the NFL Network while the league took a 10 percent stake in ESPN. This shift changed how ESPN plans its coverage.
The network will no longer carry Monday Night Football doubleheaders as part of its extra games package. Those games could move to international slots. That change creates scheduling issues for Fowler, who also handles the top college football broadcast each week.
🏈📺NEWS: ESPN is expected to remove Chris Fowler, Dan Orlovsky and Louis Riddick Jr. as its No. 2 NFL team, The Athletic has learned.
Full details on why, what’s still in play for them and some very intriguing candidates in the story ….https://t.co/cWjNDswyQO
— Andrew Marchand (@AndrewMarchand) April 2, 2026
Orlovsky and Riddick face similar conflicts. Both work college football games as well. International travel would keep them away from studio duties, which creates more gaps in coverage. ESPN wants a team that can stay available throughout the season.
ESPN will keep its top NFL booth intact. Joe Buck and Troy Aikman will return for the 2026 season. Marchand noted that this season will mark the final year of their current contracts. The duo will also call ESPN’s first Super Bowl next February.
Meanwhile, Roger Goodell addressed employees as the transition begins. He thanked those staying with NFL Media and those moving to ESPN. “You will lead NFL Media into this next chapter,” Goodell said, according to Sports Business Journal. He added, “We have no doubt that you will continue to drive unparalleled coverage of the NFL.”
ESPN now enters a new phase with its NFL coverage. The network will soon finalize its broadcast team as the season approaches.
