ESPN announced Tuesday it has laid off several on-air personalities, including NFL pregame host Suzy Kolber and NBA analysts Jalen Rose and Jeff Van Gundy, as part of an overall cost-cutting initiative at Disney (DIS), whereby over the past several months over 7,000 jobs have been eliminated in an attempt to reduce spending and save costs. Maria Taylor announced her departure from ESPN after contract negotiations stalled, prompting NBC to offer her employment. Wojciechowski’s Impact on College GameDay Wojciechowski's departure marks another setback to ESPN's College GameDay crew, a beloved Saturday morning pregame show since 1993 that is an integral part of college football culture. Boasting an expansive production team made up of 100 members with star anchors and analysts as well as an elaborate set showcasing each week's biggest games, it also serves as an effective marketing platform for schools to promote their brand while celebrating achievements with an entire nation of viewers. GameDay has thrived even without Wojciechowski, yet his absence will be felt by viewers who regularly tune in. He was one of only a few members on staff capable of making even an ordinary game seem exciting; his ability to capture key moments contributed greatly to its appeal; often leaving viewers spellbound by his work which left them breathless and often moved them emotionally. However, GameDay will likely remain intact without Wojciechowski; that includes host Rece Davis and analysts former Louisville coach Lee Corso, Heisman Trophy winner Desmond Howard, veteran Ohio State quarterback Kirk Herbstreit and Maria Taylor (former Oklahoma basketball player) and newcomer Jen Lada joining research producer Chris "Bear" Fallica in each studio each week. GameDay typically selects its destination one week in advance, giving its crew plenty of flexibility when visiting lesser-known schools or those typically neglected by other networks. This year's GameDay show made an inaugural visit to Appalachian State before heading west for Kansas in 2022 - both milestones that the show welcomed with open arms! After Wojciechowski leaves, it will be interesting to observe whether his departure leads the crew to spend less time visiting Big Ten campuses. While in past seasons they visited each flagship university multiple times, this may no longer be necessary in future seasons if there is no compelling reason to travel there. Wojciechowski’s Impact on ESPN Wojciechowski was among over 20 on-air personalities ESPN has let go since Friday in layoffs that began, which include well-known figures like Jeff Van Gundy, Jalen Rose, Max Kellerman, Keyshawn Johnson and Suzy Kolber - not to mention college football analysts Steve Young and Todd McShay as well as NFL draft expert David Pollack. Former sports editors for both the Denver Post and Dallas Morning News, Wojciechowski first joined ESPN as a national columnist before transitioning into full-time role as of 2005. He contributed to shows like College GameDay, SportsCenter and SC Featured before penning several books - About 80 Percent Luck; The Last Great Game: Duke Vs Kentucky in 2.1 Seconds That Changed Basketball; Cubs Nation: 162 Games, 162 Stories and One Addiction being among them. He hardly resembles the doughy and tightly wound figure who used to walk Marquette's court, with longer hair, slimmer waistline and sporting an exquisite golden scruff that reminds of Robert Redford in westerns. At 68, he still enjoys golf and travels a little; but most of his time these days is dedicated to spending time with family in Park City, Utah where he bought a home several years ago. He's taking advantage of the snowy mountains to pursue a lifestyle focused on family, friends, movement and learning - from taking a yoga class and working on his diet to trying intermittent fasting - in addition to restructuring his schedule and throwing ideas against the wall to see which stick. Short version, he's looking for himself again after recent life-altering events. No one knows what his next move will be, though he doesn't plan to return to broadcasting. While he wants to coach again he's uncertain whether it should be at college level. He has received enough inquiries that coaches are interested and optimistic there will be an ideal role waiting for him somewhere; his agent has told him one will open within months so he'll wait and hear back from potential suitors before making his decision. Wojciechowski’s Impact on the Network ESPN is undertaking a widespread round of layoffs that will impact some on-air personalities. The Worldwide Leader is cutting staffers in an attempt to reduce costs and prepare for potential takeover by Disney; many key on-air names and shows have fallen victim. Gene Wojciechowski was most visibly affected when his job with ESPN was eliminated, serving as its veteran college football reporter and SportsCenter feature narrator. A native of Salina, Kansas who graduated from Tennessee before working with Dallas Morning News, Chicago Tribune and Los Angeles Times prior to joining ESPN in 1998. Mark was best-known for his work as the primary correspondent on College GameDay, covering it from various locations over time and contributing to its success. Additionally, he appeared on SportsCenter and SC Featured programs on ESPN as well as digital initiatives. Todd McShay's departure was not unexpected as it came towards the end of his contract - it had already been decided. McShay joined Mel Kiper Jr.'s college football analysis team as a college analyst before being assigned additional duties on NFL Draft coverage coverage and college football commentary duties. His exit came during its final year. Max Kellerman and Keyshawn Johnson will likewise face job loss as their national radio show co-hosted with Jay Williams and Shannon Sharpe is cancelled, according to Andrew Marchand of the New York Post. Additionally, these two could likely lose their spots on FS1's Undisputed program as hosts alongside these individuals. Though exact figures remain unknown, reports of job cuts at ESPN have been circulating for some time now. College basketball analyst LaPhonso Ellis will not have her contract renewed; tennis announcers Jeremy Schapp and Jenna Rinaldi; golf anchor Marty Smith as well as SportsCenter producer Joon Lee are all among those expected to leave soon. ESPN will replace those whose contracts were not renewed with both current and new hires. Expected replacements for Rinaldi on SportsCenter could include Jeremy Schapp; Dan Le Batard would join Jenna and her College GameDay crew on studio side; Marty would become Wojciechowski's partner on Golf. Wojciechowski’s Impact on the Industry No matter your opinion of ESPN, chances are you know some of the names who were recently laid off due to Disney CEO Bob Iger's plans to cut 7,000 jobs across their company - this included on-air personalities from ESPN and radio stations like KPLR-FM in Chicago. On Friday, according to reports, around 20 on-air personalities were laid off from ESPN networks - among them Jeff Van Gundy, Max Kellerman, Keyshawn Johnson, Suzy Kolber and Jalen Rose. Additionally, these layoffs affected NFL, NBA and radio divisions of the network. Fans and observers expressed displeasure with ESPN's mass layoff on social media, but analysts believe that reduction of staff was necessary for its survival in an ever-evolving media industry. ESPN has begun filling some of the gaps left by 2023's layoffs, such as Maria Taylor moving from 6 pm ET SportsCenter to "Get Up!" in late April; however, other former on-air staff will not return. Chris Chelios will not return as an in-studio hockey analyst during the next NHL season, according to sources at Front Office Sports. According to these same sources, Chris' contract was not being renewed, a decision not related to performance but rather reflecting an examination of talent contracts within the company's roster. As a result of recent layoffs, ESPN has begun shifting towards providing high-profile college football coverage with less emphasis on studio analysis and more emphasis on live games. ESPN is expanding their coverage of the Big 12 Conference, an often neglected league. Home to some top-tier football programs like Oklahoma, Texas and West Virginia; Nebraska recently made waves by earning multiple awards from its football program; this could bolster ratings for ESPN's Big 12 coverage.