July 16--Colin Cowherd is set to become the latest big name to leave ESPN, following in the footsteps of Bill Simmons and Keith Olbermann.
"We've enjoyed a mutually beneficial run with Colin for over a decade," ESPN President John Skipper said Thursday in a statement. "He came to national prominence on ESPN with his unique perspective on sports and society. Endings also bring new beginnings, for ESPN and Colin, and we thank him and wish him the best."
The Big Lead, which was the first to report the news, said ESPN made an "aggressive bid" to keep the popular radio and TV personality but was "upstaged" by Fox Sports.
According to the report, Cowherd's talks with Fox "are progressing toward a deal" but nothing has been finalized.
Fox has declined to comment on Cowherd, Sports Illustrated's Richard Deitsch reported.
The switch in networks would reunite Cowherd with Jamie Horowitz, the new Fox Sports president who once produced the Cowherd-hosted "SportsNation" on ESPN.
Cowherd started hosting "The Herd with Colin Cowherd" on ESPN Radio in 2003. The show is also simulcast on ESPNU.
His contract with ESPN is due to expire this year.
