Stephen A. Smith lined up for shock new role on ESPN after Molly Qerim’s abrupt First Take departure

STEPHEN A. Smith is set for a big change after Molly Qerim’s sudden departure from ESPN’s First Take.

Qerim, 41, quit First Take on Tuesday after a decade hosting the ESPN daily show.

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Stephen A. Smith has taken over as temporary host of First Take[/caption]

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Smith is set to feature on Monday Night Football three times[/caption]

This has forced Smith, to take over as the show’s temporary host while ESPN figure out their next move.

It has now been announced that Smith is set to join the team on Monday Night Countdown.

Monday Night Countdown is a pre-game show broadcast by ESPN before coverage of Monday Night Football.

Smith is set to feature at least three times during the 2025 season.

The veteran broadcaster is raking in an estimated $40 million per year from his engagements across ESPN, SiriusXM and other projects.

He has been a regular feature on First Take since 2012.

Smith initially worked alongside Cari Champion, 50, before Qerim took over as host in 2015.

Host Qerim announced her shock departure on social media after news of the move leaked.

It is unsure whether she will return to ESPN before her contract expires in the summer.

“I’m going to be doing at least three Monday Night Football games this year,” said Smith to Front Office Sports.

“Knowing them at ESPN, they’ll want more. They’ll certainly want more of me on NBA Countdown. And so who knows?

“I mean, I’m doing First Take. But it’s ESPN. Whatever’s going to help make the network successful.”

ESPN have handed out several new contracts over recent days, with Jeff Saturday, 50, among those confirmed to be remaining on the network.

Additionally, Malika Andrews, 30, will continue to front up the network’s NBA coverage as she agrees to a new multi-year deal.

With ESPN looking for their next host, Smith is considered to be one of the leading candidates to replace Qerim on First Take.

Another suggestion from fans has been for Kay Adams, 39, to be named as Qerim’s replacement.

“I know that I’m thankful for the ten years that we had together,” Smith said of Qerim.

“We’ve had a great relationship over the years. I think she’s absolutely wonderful as a person and a human being. She’s obviously a significant part of the show. And I’m going to miss her.”

Smith remains a controversial figure, with Chris “Mad Dog” Russo, 65, criticising his treatment of Dallas Cowboys quarterback Dak Prescott.

ESPN is set to keep Smith busy as he splits his time between the NFL, NBA and First Take.