Lead NBA analyst Jeff Van Gundy, Jalen Rose part of ESPN layoffs

Lead NBA analyst Jeff Van Gundy is among the notable names being let go by ESPN, according to multiple reports.

Van Gundy, 61, has been with ESPN for 16 years and was a key part of the network’s NBA coverage alongside play-by-play man Mike Breen and co-game analyst, Mark Jackson. Together, the trio called nearly 100 NBA Finals games.

Andrew Marchand of the New York Post was the first to report Van Gundy’s exit. Van Gundy is the younger brother of for Pistons coach and general manager Stan Van Gundy.

A former coach with the New York Knicks and Houston Rockets, Van Gundy found new life on TV covering the NBA and morphed into one of the top NBA analysts ever.

Often outspoken, especially about officiating, Van Gundy was rarely afraid to share his opinions on live TV. His relaxed demeanor and tendency to crack jokes worked well with the more Xs and Os Jackson and the Hall of Famer Breen.

ESPN is likely to replace him internally. Former NBA and Duke star JJ Redick, former NBA player Richard Jefferson and longtime contributor Doris Burke are the leading candidates, according to the Post.

Van Gundy is just one of more than 20 notable layoffs coming from ESPN. Other notable reported exits include longtime Sportscenter anchor Neil Everett, former Red Wing and NHL analyst Chris Chelios, Fab 5 member Jalen Rose and former New England Patriots linebacker Rob Ninkovich, an NFL analyst.

The moves are cost-cutting measures, ESPN said in a statement.

“Given the current environment, ESPN has determined it necessary to identify some additional cost savings in the area of public-facing commentator salaries, and that process has begun. This exercise will include a small group of job cuts in the short-term and an ongoing focus on managing costs when we negotiate individual contract renewals in the months ahead.”

“This is an extremely challenging process, involving individuals who have had tremendous impact on our company. These difficult decisions, based more on overall efficiency than merit, will help us meet our financial targets and ensure future growth.”

More layoffs are expected to become public.