According to a report by Andrew Marchand of The New York Post (via NBACentral), ESPN has fired longtime NBA coach Jeff Van Gundy.
The 61-year-old had been around the network for the past 16 years, forming an iconic trio with Mark Jackson and Mike Breen.
BREAKING: ESPN has let Jeff Van Gundy go, according to @AndrewMarchand pic.twitter.com/7s2mbBqnbx
— NBACentral (@TheNBACentral) June 30, 2023
The sports broadcasting giant laid off 20 on-air personalities on Friday morning, with the former NBA coach among those casualties.
According to The Post, Disney and ESPN are looking to eliminate 7,000 jobs, with the most likely candidates being those who earn more than a million.
And even though Van Gundy’s salary was not disclosed, he was reportedly moving north at this time.
The former coach was a mainstay in the booth, and will be remembered primarily for his constant criticism of officiating and the league in general.
Even so, his knowledge of the game was second to none when it came to live analysts, and he should be remembered as one of the best at his craft.
Notably, the report also cites that ESPN will look to replace Van Gundy on its No. 1 broadcast team, with Richard Jefferson, Doris Burke and JJ Redick the most likely candidates to fill his spot.
They also mention Doc Rivers as a potential replacement, especially considering his close relationship with Mike Breen.
Again, though, it will all depend on his financial claims, as the only point in letting Van Gundy go was cutting expenses, so that seems like a long shot.
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