Why is Molly Qerim leaving 'First Take'? Longtime ESPN host announces shocking departure from network

As "First Take" continues its run as one of ESPN's flagship morning programs, a massive change is coming.

Longtime host Molly Qerim will be leaving the network at the end of 2025, she confirmed with an Instagram story on Tuesday, Sept. 16. The news first surfaced in a report from Sports Business Journal one day prior. The decision ends a 10-year ESPN run for Qerim, who became the host and moderator of "First Take" in 2015.

Why is Qerim leaving "First Take?" Here is what to know about the seismic decision that will change the morning program as sports fans have come to know it.

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Why is Molly Qerim leaving 'First Take'?

Qerim is leaving "First Take" as part of a larger decision to move on from ESPN altogether, per the SBJ report. She explained the decision through a statement on her Instagram story, saying "the news came out earlier than I intended, and not in the way I hoped…"

Here is part of Qerim's statement:

After much reflection, I've decided it's time to close this incredible chapter and step away from First Take. Hosting this show has been one of the greatest honors of my career. Every morning, I had the privilege of sharing the desk with some of the most brilliant, passionate, and entertaining voices in the sports—and with all of you, the best fans in the world.

I'm so grateful for what this journey has given me: lifelong friendships, unforgettable memories, and the chance to be part of something truly special.

It is important to note that ESPN reportedly offered Qerim a contract to stay with the network, but she elected to go in a different direction.

MORE: The details behind Stephen A. Smith's historic ESPN contract

Molly Qerim career timeline

Qerim is a Connecticut native whose time with ESPN spans multiple decades, and her coverage has included college football, the NBA, and MLB, among other events. She stepped in as the interim host of 'First Take' in July 2015 and became the permanent host on Sept. 15, 2015.

Notably, the news of Qerim's plans to move on came 10 years to the day of the announcement that she would be the program's permanent host.

The nature of Qerim's decision suggests that she has the next career move lined up, and she closed her statement by saying, "Stay tuned."

As for "First Take," all signs indicate Stephen A. Smith will be the show's featured talent, but it now has to replace its longtime host.