For those who might not care for Dan Orlovsky's takes on ESPN, I've got bad news for you -- The ESPN analyst since 2018 is reportedly on the verge of an extension with the network. While the deal is not yet final, Orlovsky tweeted a photo of a cup as if to toast himself over the extended holiday weekend with the caption "Here's to what's next."
Orlovsky joined ESPN in 2018 and quickly rose up the ranks and is now one of the more prominent football figures for the network. He was originally more of a "breaking down film" kind of guy but in recent years has started to exchange blows with the likes of Stephen A. Smith.
ESPN has shown that they value those kinds of talking heads and this deal cements that. Orlovsky will continue his career with the network but Front Office Sports pointed out that this might not be Orlovsky's final landing spot of his career, reminding people of Adam Schefter once reporting that the former quarterback would be interested in coaching someday.
“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.”
Dan Orlovsky on the verge of contract extension with ESPN
Orlovsky was a fifth-round pick by the Detroit Lions in the 2005 NFL Draft out of Connecticut. He was mostly a journeyman throughout his decade-long career.
His most memorable moment in the league was when he unintentionally ran out of the back of the end zone for a safety during the Lions' winless season in 2008. For what it's worth, Orlovsky has a good sense of humor about his career lowlight.
ESPN has found a group of analysts that work toward the image they want and Orlovsky is clearly a big part of that and looks to be a big part of that moving forward.