ESPN dismisses Jeff Van Gundy as employee purge continues. What do we know?

The former Knicks coach is the latest of a slew of employees who have been cut by the company, begging the question ‘Is anyone safe?’ As things stand, it’s clear the sports broadcasting giant is intent on cleaning house but what will be left after the job is complete?

ESPN fires Jeff Van Gundy as purge continues

According to reports, Jeff Van Gundy has been shown the door by ESPN as the company continues to lay off employees. Acknowledged as one of the best-ever NBA analysts on air, Van Gundy’s dismissal comes as a true shock. Yet, it’s got to be said that it’s in keeping with what the company has been doing of late. Indeed, the former New York Knicks head coach is one of roughly 20 on-ain personalities that will be put out by the company as it attempts to save money. Alongside Van Gundy are the likes of Keyshawn Johnson, Max Kellerman, Suzy Kolber, and Jalen Rose, as well as reporter Joon Lee.

To be clear, Van Gundy was one of the three personalities that make up ESPN’s No. 1 broadcast team, with Mark Jackson and Mike Breen being the other two. The 61-year-old has been with the network for the past 16 years and is widely regarded as one of the best in the business. While Van Gundy’s salary remains unknown, it’s understood that he “made millions.”

What’s going on at ESPN?

If you didn’t know, this whole situation actually kicked off back in February, when Bob Iger, CEO of Disney - ESPN’s parent company - announced that 7,000 jobs would be cut across both companies in an effort to save $5.5 billion. Since then, we’ve seen employees from every level of ESPN being given the axe. From writers to editors and executives, it would appear that nobody has been spared, and that now includes on-air talent. Interestingly, where the aforementioned Johnson is concerned, it’s understood that he will receive the entirety of his five-year, $18 million contract having only joined the company just one year ago. As for Kellerman, reports indicate that he was earning approximately $5 million a year. There was also Suzy Kolber who confirmed that she was in fact among those who had been given the boot, as well as former NBA star Jalen Rose.

What’s ESPN’s thinking here?

It’s worth noting that while money is at the center of the reason for the cuts, the company has actually stated the dismissal of major personalities is actually geared toward conserving the jobs of “behind-the-scenes” employees, something that can be respected considering that said personalities were making seven-figure salaries annually. On the other hand, the acquisition of Pat McAfee to the tune of $85 million across five years definitely raises an eyebrow.

Regarding options to replace Van Gundy, some reports have suggested that the company intends to keep things in-house, with a selection of former NBA players being mentioned. Current analysts J.J. Redick and Richard Jefferson for example, as well as Doris Burke. Now, you might be wondering whether this could have a negative effect on viewership. After all, Van Gundy is a fan favorite but truth be told, that’s not likely regardless of if someone finds it hard to watch games without him. That said, ESPN’s coverage of the NBA is likely to be a little less entertaining from now on.