ESPN is changing its radio lineup yet again with Max Kellerman leaving “First Take” to become the third host on Keyshawn Johnson’s morning show.
ESPN officially announced Tuesday that Kellerman will replace Zubin Mehenti as the third host on ESPN Radio’s primary morning show, joining the returning Keyshawn Johnson and Jay Williams. Renamed “Keyshawn, JWill and Max,” the show will debut in its new format on September 7. Kellerman’s move was originally reported last week by Front Office Sports and the New York Post.
Kellerman’s new role will take him off of ESPN’s “First Take,” where he served as the debate partner for Stephen A. Smith since 2016. As first reported by the Post, Kellerman will host a new ESPN TV series in addition to his radio role.
Mehenti, who is on medical leave, will return to his previous role on SportsCenter.
Kellerman’s new gig means his current radio show will be discontinued. The first hour of that show will become the third hour of “Bart & Hahn,” while the second hour will become the first hour of the new “Canty & Golic Jr.” — with Chris Canty replacing Chiney Ogwumike. Those shows will take on their expanded timeslots September 27.
Ogwumike, who had been in the radio role for just a year, will take on an increased role as an ESPN college and pro basketball analyst.
The new lineup is just the latest in a slew of changes on ESPN Radio since ESPN decided to break up its morning pairing of Mike Golic Sr. and Trey Wingo. Beyond last year’s initial revamp, ESPN also did away with Dan Le Batard’s radio show in January.
[News from ESPN PR]
