NESN

Erin Andrews’ Reported Departure From ESPN Is a Loss, But Not a Devastation

It may be hard to believe, but Erin Andrews is leaving ESPN.

FOX Sports is reportedly making a strong push to hire Andrews, who is best known for her work on ESPN’s College Gameday. Her contract expired at the end of June.

This is a sad day not just for ESPN, but for all of its viewers. College football fans welcomed Andrews into their homes on Saturdays for football coverage because she was, and still is, the best reporter on the sidelines.

She showed her appreciation for her career during every performance and this is a loss for ESPN. Andrews was a favorite to watch on ESPN not just because of how beautiful she is, but because she excelled at her job. When she co-hosted College Gameday with Chris Fowler, Lee Corso and Kirk Herbstreit, people raved about these four and how entertaining they were on Gameday.

Andrews is always a dazzling star on the set and that sets her apart in the sports journalism industry. It is quite possible that many of ESPN’s viewers watch their programs just to see the 34-year-old Andrews.

Andrews, a graduate of the University of Florida, leaves a gap that ESPN has always tried to fill -– an attractive female sideline reporter. Jenn Brown, also a former Gator, appears to be the one who will be filling that gap.

It will be interesting to see if ESPN’s college football program ratings decline in the post-Andrews era. Will FOX Sports’ ratings sky rocket when Andrews officially joins them? We will only know this fall when Andrews’ daily on-air tenure with FOX begins. Yet again, ESPN isn’t suffering from this loss. Brown cannot fill the shoes of Andrews in the looks department, but she isn’t far off on her reporting.

Put very plainly, ESPN’s suffering a minor tear to the heart. While Andrews was the best sideline reporter for them during her time there and their numbers may decline, Brown is the best option to fill her spot. Brown, like Andrews, has the looks and the skill to do a great job for ESPN.

Photo via Flickr/Neon Tommy