It was reported on Monday that ESPN would be parting ways with Mark Jackson. The 58-year-old rejoined the network in 2014, after spending four years as the coach of the Golden State Warriors.
He had previously been with the network from 2006 to 2011 and, the, he became a staple of the network’s top basketball broadcast team.
After knowing the news, Jackson confirmed it on Twitter, with a statement, revealing that he was “shocked and dismayed” by the suddenness of ESPN’s decision.
— Mark Jackson (@MarkJackson13) August 1, 2023
Jackson would go on to say it was “an honor” to work alongside play-by-play man Mike Breen and analyst Jeff Van Gundy, who comprised his on-air announcing team. He also gave a shout-out to Lisa Salters, who he said “is like a sister” to him, as well as his producer Tim Corrigan.
Jackson’s departure from ESPN means the company will now be looking to replace two key cogs of its top broadcast team. Van Gundy was another one of the network’s high-profile layoffs. Now, only Breen remains of the three-man booth.
According to Andrew Marchand, of the New York Post, the Disney-owned networks are planning to hire former Magic, Celtics, Clippers and 76ers coach Doc Rivers to serve as one analyst, while Doris Burke will be internally promoted to serve as the other.
