ESPN’s behind-the-scenes pro and college football teams are set, as the network’s executive editor and head of event and studio production, Norby Williamson, outlined changes via an internal memo this afternoon. The moves come a little more than a week after former SVP/Production Lee Fitting was fired, though ESPN sources said while some of the moves announced today were prompted by Fitting’s removal, not all the changes were made as a result of Fitting’s situation. Fitting had overseen all college and pro football production at ESPN.
VP Production Amanda Gifford makes, perhaps, the biggest jump, as she becomes the day-to-day point person on college football. Gifford will oversee all college football event productions, including CFP games and spring football games. Gifford now reports directly to Williamson. Coordinating Producers Bryan Jaroch and Nick Rud will report into Gifford on football.
SVP/Production and Remote Events Mark Gross also made a big move, adding the NFL studio and event productions to his plate. Gross, who will report to Williamson, also will oversee the ESPN Radio Network and local radio programming. VP/Executive Producer Seth Markman and VP/Production Steve Ackels will report to Gross.
Other moves of note:
- VP/Executive Producer Mike McQuade will oversee tennis productions, including the Australian Open, Wimbledon and the U.S. Open. VP Production Jamie Reynolds is leaving ESPN after the current U.S. Open following an ESPN career that started in 1984. Senior Managing Producer Caroline Davis will report to McQuade. As part of the changes, McQuade reports to Gross on, boxing, tennis and the NHL, and he reports to Williamson on golf and “SportsCenter with Scott Van Pelt.”
- VP/Production Phil Orlins will add a leadership role for all technology and innovation initiatives, reporting to Gross.
- Shawn Murphy will add high school football and NCAA football postseason playoff and championship games for FCS, D2 and D3, plus SEC Network content. He will report to Gross.
- SVP/Production and Content Strategy Maria Soares will oversee the 6 p.m. ET “SportsCenter.” Sr. Director/Production Kate Leonard will report to Soare and have a bigger role with content initiatives.
- VP, Executive Producer/Original Content Andy Tennant adds the Rose Parade, New York City Marathon, Boston Marathon and the Hot Dog Eating Contest to his duties.
