Our long national nightmare is finally over.
After a steady trickle of offseason storylines surrounding ESPN NFL analyst Dan Orlovsky’s future, starting with an ominous and, in hindsight, a bit melodramatic quasi-farewell on First Take in February, rumors about entering coaching or signing with another network in March and April, and finally some firm reporting earlier this month that he’d return to the Worldwide Leader where he belongs, ESPN has officially made the announcement: Dan Orlovsky is back.
Most would believe the network is better for it.
On Wednesday, ESPN announced that Orlovsky has signed a multi-year agreement to remain with the network and continue as a primary piece on NFL Live, call games on Monday Night Football‘s second-team, and keep up his frequent appearances across the rest of ESPN’s studio lineup.
This year, Orlovsky will be in the MNF booth for five games during the weeks ESPN produces multiple NFL broadcasts alongside fellow analyst Louis Riddick and play-by-play voice Chris Fowler. He will also continue his role alongside Ryan Clark, Mina Kimes, Marcus Spears, and Laura Rutledge on NFL Live.
Orlovsky has quickly ascended as one of ESPN’s most important NFL talents. His quick wit and penchant for breaking down film in an easily digestible way has endeared him to fans, and makes him a valuable plug-and-play piece for ESPN as the network continues to expand its NFL coverage.