Stephen A Smith poised for new ESPN role after network chief’s comments

Stephen A. Smith is one of the biggest names in sports broadcasting© Al Bello, Getty Images

ESPN’s head honcho Jimmy Pitaro has hinted at the possibility of Stephen A. Smith joining the network’s NFL coverage, potentially as part of ‘Monday Night Football.’

Smith, who earlier this year inked a new 5-year $100 million contract with ESPN, is now among the industry’s top earners, alongside big names like Tom Brady and Charles Barkley. The deal, which came after intense negotiations, saw Smith receive an $8 million raise from his previous $12 million annual salary.

This lucrative agreement opens doors for Smith to venture beyond his morning show, ‘First Take,’ which he co-hosts with Molly Qerim and various other personalities. It also paves the way for appearances on more political programming and possibly ‘Monday Night Football.’

Pitaro shared with Front Office Sports: “We are very open to Stephen getting more involved on the NFL. We’ve had some exploratory conversations with him.

“We know that the league really likes Stephen. So there could be something to do there. That being said, we’re really happy with what we have in terms of ‘NFL Live,’ ‘Sunday [NFL] Countdown,’ ‘Monday Night Countdown.’ We feel like we’re in a good spot right now. But there’s always room for someone like Stephen.”

Despite Smith’s passion for American Football and his avid support for the Pittsburgh Steelers, it’s widely acknowledged that his expertise doesn’t quite match up to his basketball analysis.

Stephen A. Smith on First Take© ESPN

Smith, a former basketball columnist for the Philadelphia Inquirer who developed a rapport with Allen Iverson, later joined ESPN’s ‘First Take’ with Skip Bayless.

ESPN features a roster of NFL experts, including Troy Aikman and Joe Buck, who lead ‘Monday Night Football.’ It remains to be seen if Smith aims to join their NFL programming.

He runs his own YouTube channel and has been guest-starring on various shows recently. On his show ‘The Stephen A. Smith Show,’ Smith shared his ambitions to delve into political commentary, something he was previously unable to do without ESPN’s green light.

He stated: “I said that I wanted to talk politics – in case you haven’t noticed – it’s what I’ve been doing. I said I wanted to own my own production company; that’s what I’m doing. Hell, I even said I wanted to engage in some acting; that’s what I’m doing.”

Smith’s name has surfaced in discussions about potential presidential candidates for 2028, with speculation placing him close to J.D. Vance as a favorite to follow Donald Trump.

“Over the last few weeks, I’ve had no choice but to get more serious about it (running for president),” Smith said. “I’ve been approached by people on Capitol Hill. I’ve been approached by people who are elected officials in office, whether it’s governors or mayors or what have you. People have legitimately, seriously, asked me about it.

“I have no desire to be a politician, but I’ve decided that I’m no longer going to close that door. I’m gonna keep my options open. I’m going to entertain the possibility.

“If it comes in late 2026, 2027, where I look at this country and think it’s an absolute mess and there’s legitimate reason to believe… that I indeed have a legitimate shot to win the Presidency of the United States. I am not going to rule it out.”