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Molly Qerim's First Appearance After Leaving 'First Take' Is Set

Originally posted on The Spun | By Andrew Gould | Last updated Sep 30, 2025 6:39 PM ET

Weeks after her abrupt ESPN exit, Molly Qerim will moderate another loud personality not named Stephen A. Smith.

The former First Take host will appear at a Q&A event with UConn men's basketball head coach Dan Hurley on Wednesday. Qerim will curate the event at her alma mater's Student Union Theater, starting at 7 p.m. ET.

Tickets to the lecture, which include a copy of Ian O'Connor's Never Stop book about Hurley, remain available for $40 or $35 for UConn students.

Hurley announced the Q&A on Sept. 12, four days before Qerim confirmed her ESPN departure. The panel's event page still promotes her ESPN work in the present tense.

Qerim is asking the questions on Wednesday, so fans shouldn't expect answers about her exit or next chapter.

Qerim's surprising ESPN split

LAS VEGAS, NEVADA - FEBRUARY 08: Molly Qerim attends the 13th Annual NFL Honors at Resorts World Theatre on February 08, 2024 in Las Vegas, Nevada. (Photo by Jeff Kravitz/FilmMagic)Jeff Kravitz/Getty Images

Qerim hosted First Take for 10 years before suddenly leaving the show and ESPN earlier this month. She confirmed the move on Sept. 16.

"After much reflection, I've decided it’s time to close this incredible chapter and step away from First Take," Qerim wrote on her Instagram story. "Hosting this show has been one of the greatest honors of my career. Every morning, I had the privilege of sharing the desk with some of the most brilliant, passionate, and entertaining voices in sports — and with all of you, the best fans in the world. I'm so grateful for what this journey has given me: lifelong friendships, unforgettable memories, and the chance to be part of something truly special. From the bottom of my heart, thank you for welcoming me into your homes."

Qerim's next career move remains unclear. Wednesday's UConn lecture will mark her first public appearance since stepping away from The Worldwide Leader in Sports, and the 41-year-old hasn't elaborated any further on what caused the split.

In her absence, ESPN has auditioned a revolving door of First Take hosts. ESPN president of content Burke Magnus told The Athletic's Richard Deitsch that they'd plan to take 30 to 45 days before naming a permanent replacement.

Magnus said the company was trying to find new roles for Qerim beyond First Take before she opted for a fresh start. Her contract was set to expire at the end of the year.

"There’s no controversy here. There's no shoe that's going to drop," Magnus said. "She's an awesome person. You know, it’s business. You try your best, and we just weren't totally aligned. I totally respect her interest, in rather than going into a less defined situation, to make a clean break and try to do other things outside of ESPN."

This article first appeared on The Spun and was syndicated with permission.

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