Why did Skip Bayless leave 'First Take'? Revisiting 2016 jump to Fox Sports that 'pissed off' Stephen A. Smith

Why did Skip Bayless leave 'First Take'? Revisiting 2016 jump to Fox Sports that 'pissed off' Stephen A. Smith originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.

For years, two of the most well-known opinionists in sports would spend their mornings debating the day's hottest topics.

Stephen A. Smith and Skip Bayless were two of the front-facing stars at ESPN from around 2012-16, when they shared their takes — then argued plenty — on "First Take."

While the two were eventually viewed as a dynamic duo of sorts as "First Take" grew in popularity, it was Bayless who brought that run with Smith to an end, deciding to leave for another network.

Here's what to know about Bayless' 2016 exit from "First Take."

MORE: Why Stephen A. Smith called out Tiger Woods following golfer's DUI arrest

Why did Skip Bayless leave 'First Take'?

When his ESPN contract was set to expire in the summer of 2016, reports indicated by April of that year that Bayless would be leaving the network to join Fox Sports, where he would have the opportunity to anchor his own show.

His final appearance alongside Smith on "First Take" came on June 21, 2016, just two days after the Cavaliers beat the Warriors in the 2016 NBA Finals.

By September 2016, Bayless made his debut alongside Shannon Sharpe on "Skip and Shannon: Undisputed," a similar debate show to his previous role, but at Fox Sports.

Who replaced Skip Bayless on 'First Take'?

When Bayless' role as the lead debater alongside Smith was left vacant in 2016, ESPN filled it with longtime network host and boxing commentator Max Kellerman.

While the show has also frequently used guest analysts, Kellerman was a staple alongside Smith from 2016 until 2021, when Smith reportedly requested his removal due to lack of chemistry.

Kellerman wasn't fully replaced with another full-time analyst alongside Smith. ESPN has utilized many guest analysts since then, including Kendrick Perkins, Brian Windhorst, Mina Kimes, Marcus Spears, JJ Redick, Shannon Sharpe, Michael Irvin, Dan Orlovsky, Chris "Mad Dog" Russo and Cam Newton.

How long was Skip Bayless at ESPN?

Bayless' early days at ESPN included making radio appearances in the mid-1990s and becoming a panelist on ESPN's "The Sports Reporters" in 1989 and becoming a regular for over a decade.

However, it wasn't until 2004 that he was hired full-time by ESPN, given a role alongside Woody Paige for daily debate segments called "1st and 10" on ESPN2's "Cold Pizza" while also contributing columns to the website.

By 2007, "Cold Pizza" was replaced by a similar program, "First Take." Bayless stopped writing columns for ESPN around that time, focusing on the show; he would remain a member of "First Take" until 2016, including when Smith joined in 2012.

Where is Skip Bayless now?

In 2024, Bayless left "Undisputed" and Fox Sports after eight years with the network; he had signed a four-year extension in 2021.

Since then, he hasn't made TV appearances, but has hosted a weekly podcast, "The Skip Bayless Show," and co-hosted a show for Underdog.

Now, as of May 2026, Bayless is also set to make a one-time return to ESPN on "First Take." On Friday, May 8, Bayless and Smith will be re-uniting on the program after also speaking on Bayless' podcast in 2025 and being photographed together in November 2025.

When Bayless first left FS1 in 2024, ESPN shut down any rumors of his return. But now, he will make at least one more appearance alongside Smith.