Why was Jeff van Gundy fired? How long was he with ESPN? Learn all is to know about the basketball pundit and former coach.
ESPN has axed Jeff Van Gundy as part of cost cutting measures, ending his 16-year tenure as its NBA analyst. ESPN has confirmed it is making cuts today and according to The New York Post, the 61-year-old Van Gundy is one of the big names to depart. LaPhonso Ellis, Max Kellerman, Todd McShay and Keyshawn Johnson are also believed to have left according to widespread reports.
The Post, which says Jalen Rose will also leave, adds that Van Gundy’s salary was in the millions but the exact figure is unknown. Before carving out a reputation as one of the finest NBA analysts around, Van Gundy had coached in the game.
He was an assistant at the New York Knicks for seven years from 1989 until 1996, when he took over as coach. His five-year spell ended in 2001 and in 2003, he took over as coach of the Houston Rockets. The Post also intriguingly says Doc Rivers is a contender to replace Van Gundy at the network. Rivers was fired by the Philadelphia 76ers after defeat in the NBA playoffs to the Boston Celtics. Rose, meanwhile, had been at ESPN for 15 years.
Who else are touted to replace Jeff van Gundy at ESPN?
Other than Rivers, Doris Burke and JJ Redick are touted to replace van Gundy at ESPN.
Another reason why ESPN is letting go of longtime analysts is to pave the way for new people to step up. It hasn’t been made clear, but there are multiple people who could replace Van Gundy on ESPN’s NBA broadcasts. Some of the names mentioned by the Post were Doris Burke and former NBA player JJ Redick.
Despite today’s cost-cutting measures as a part of the lay off, ESPN has still flexed its financial muscle in recent times. Earlier this year, Pat McAfee’s successful show moved over to ESPN on a five-year deal worth $85million.
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