Is Dan Orlovsky Leaving ESPN?

Dan Orlovsky played in the NFL for 12 seasons. Orlovsky had two stints with the Detroit Lions and played for the Houston Texans, Indianapolis Colts, Tampa Bay Buccaneers, and Los Angeles Rams during his time in the NFL. He was selected with the 145th pick by the Detroit Lions in the 2005 NFL Draft and spent his career as a backup QB. Through his 12-year career, Orlovsky gained tremendous knowledge and has used this knowledge to become one of the best analysts on TV.

Orlovsky announced his retirement from football on October 11, 2017. He joined ESPN in 2018 and joined the NFL Live crew in 2019, which led to him being on the show consistently in June 2020. Orlovsky regularly contributes to ESPN’s Get Up, First Take, and other ESPN TV and radio shows.

On Monday, February 10, the day after the Super Bowl, Orlovsky appeared on First Take and hinted at a possible departure from ESPN.

Is Dan Orlovsky Leaving ESPN?

Dan’s contract with ESPN is set to expire this summer.

While appearing on First Take, Orlovsky hinted at a possible departure from ESPN. He stated “I’m taking a break, won’t be on TV for a long time… never know what the future holds but I’m taking a break… just want to say thank you. Appreciate you guys so much.”

Dan Orlovsky hints at an uncertain future at ESPN while signing off from his final appearance on First Take during the NFL season.

"I'm taking a break, won't be on TV for a long time… never know what the future holds but I'm taking a break… just want to say thank you.… pic.twitter.com/aeuNti2uPz

— Awful Announcing (@awfulannouncing) February 10, 2025

According to Front Office Sports, ESPN wants to sign Orlovsky to a contract extension but the former NFL QB also has options.

While on The Pat McAfee Show, Adam Schefter said “Dan’s been talking to some teams and seeing if there’s something that interests him and is worthwhile for him.” Schefter also noted “I think Dan aspires to be a head coach in time. And that’s what he’d like to do. And so he’s been talking to people to see if there’s a spot that would work for him. It’s not automatic. He does a great job on TV. Obviously, he could stay in TV and do that for the rest of his career if that’s what he wanted. But I think at his core, I think he misses being part of a football team.”

Front Office Sports also reports Fox Sports tried to poach Orlovsky several years ago.

When someone on X asked if Dan is going to leave ESPN and that his speech sounded like a goodbye, Orlovsky replied “Lotta decision to be made. See what happens. I’m grateful for it all.”

Lotta decision to be made. See what happens. I’m grateful for it all

— Dan Orlovsky (@danorlovsky7) February 10, 2025

Would Orlovsky Make A Good Coach In The NFL?

Dan is undoubtedly a good TV analyst after 12 years in the NFL.

With how good he can break down defenses and film, Orlovsky can certainly be a good coach in the NFL. He has a good offensive mind and can help innovate an offense. He stresses motion and play action a lot, which he undoubtedly would implement as a coach.

Orlovsky deserves a chance to be a coach in the NFL after spending 12 years in the league.

With a lot of options on the table, Orlovsky is going to take some time to decide on his future. Whatever Dan decides to do, he has a bright future ahead of him. Whether it is as a coach in the NFL or if he remains on TV with ESPN or another network, Dan will thrive.