Molly Qerim is making her return to the public scene for the first time since leaving ESPN’s “First Take” earlier this month.
The former host will be moderating a Q&A session with Dan Hurley, the UConn men’s basketball coach, on Wednesday night at the Student Union Theater on the school’s Storrs campus.
Qerim announced her exit from ESPN two weeks ago, just after the Sports Business Journal indicated she’d be departing at year’s end. Following that news, she opted to step back from ESPN’s on-air duties.
“After a lot of thought, I’ve decided it’s time to close this amazing chapter and move on from ‘First Take,'” Qerim shared on her Instagram Story on September 15, having hosted the show since 2015.
She expressed deep gratitude, noting how her time there had brought lifelong friendships, unforgettable memories, and a sense of being part of something truly remarkable. “I’m thankful from the bottom of my heart for welcoming me into your home,” she wrote.
The following morning, on “First Take,” Stephen A. Smith paid tribute to Qerim, acknowledging her significant role in the show’s success over the last decade.
On that same day, during a SiriusXM radio show, Smith mentioned that Qerim was in contract discussions with ESPN and expressed his discontent about her departure.
In an interview with Athletic, Burke Magnus, ESPN’s president of content, mentioned that Qerim’s departure was assured, but they aimed to handle it carefully.
Magnus stated, “She’s a wonderful person. It’s just business. We did our best, but we weren’t on the same page. I really respect her wish to take a clean break and explore new opportunities outside of ESPN, instead of stepping into something uncertain.”
He also noted that ESPN plans to initiate a 30-45 day trial period with different hosts before selecting a permanent replacement for Qerim.
