There are stories suggesting ESPN is reportedly considering bringing Michael Smith back to the network after his contentious departure in 2019. Smith, who co-hosted SC6 (also known as The Six) with Jemele Hill on ESPN’s 6 p.m. SportsCenter, has reportedly held “exploratory talks” with ESPN executives about a potential return. This development comes nearly six years after Smith’s exit, which followed a tumultuous period for both him and Hill.
Smith’s departure from ESPN in September 2019 came after a series of challenges. He reached a buyout agreement with the network, despite having two years remaining on his contract. The cancellation of SC6 in 2018, along with the subsequent phasing out of Smith from on-air programming, marked the beginning of his exit. During this time, Smith, alongside Hill, expressed frustration with ESPN’s editorial decisions, feeling “muted” by the network’s shifting approach to their dynamic and content. The controversy surrounding Hill’s public comments, particularly a tweet about President Trump that led to her suspension, contributed to the strain between the duo and ESPN leadership.
While Hill left ESPN shortly after Smith, carving out a successful career as a writer, podcaster, and contributing columnist for The Atlantic, Smith also diversified his career in the years following his exit. In 2020, he joined NBC Sports to co-host Brother From Another on Peacock alongside Michael Holley. The show has garnered a loyal audience for its insightful sports commentary and candid discussions on cultural issues. Additionally, Smith became a correspondent for Amazon’s Thursday Night Football coverage in 2022, showcasing his versatility in the evolving media landscape. He also founded his own podcast production company, Inflection Network, which has further expanded his media footprint.
The possibility of Michael Smith’s return to ESPN highlights a potential shift in the network’s approach, signaling a willingness to reconcile with former talent. While the specifics of the “exploratory talks” remain unclear, insiders suggest that ESPN may be considering Smith for a new role that aligns with the network’s current strategy of retooling its programming lineup. His return could indicate a broader effort by ESPN to continue revitalizing its on-air talent roster and add fresh perspectives in the wake of ongoing changes within the sports media industry.
Smith’s potential return would not be without precedent. In the past, ESPN has brought back high-profile personalities after contentious departures—further underscoring the cyclical nature of the sports media industry. As ESPN looks to adjust its direction, bringing Smith back could be seen as part of an effort to tap into his strong following and restore some of the edgy, opinion-driven content that characterized his earlier tenure at the network.
Whether or not this leads to a full-scale return or a collaboration remains to be seen, but for now, the possibility of Smith rejoining ESPN after several years apart is certainly one to watch.