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Why was Jeff Van Gundy axed by ESPN? Analyst of 16 years part of stellar list let go by broadcaster

Before becoming one of ESPN's top NBA analysts, Jeff Van Gundy worked in the game as a coach

NEW YORK CITY, NEW YORK: ESPN has let go of Jeff Van Gundy and 20 other on-air personalities as part of saving tens of millions of dollars. The 61-year-old who had worked as an NBA analyst for 16 years was axed by the broadcaster this week.

The stellar list of those who will be let go includes big names including Max Kellerman, LaPhonso Ellis, Keyshawn Johnson, and Todd McShay. These personalities will no longer make an appearance on any of the network's platforms, reported New York Post.

Why was Jeff Van Gundy axed by ESPN?

The 'NBA Countdown' analyst Jalen Rose who was also let go after 15 years confirmed Van Gundy leaving his position as part of the network's cost-cutting measures and revealed that his salary was in the millions. However, the exact figure of his salary is unknown. 

Before becoming one of ESPN's top NBA analysts, Van Gundy worked in the game as a coach. In 1989, he began as an assistant at the New York Knicks. Seven years later, he took over as coach until 2001. In 2003, Van Gundy took over as coach of the Houston Rockets.

According to New York Post, Doc Rivers who was fired by the Philadelphia 76ers is a contender to replace Van Gundy at ESPN.

ESPN stated the massive layoffs help meet their financial targets

Following the massive layoffs, ESPN provided a statement to Front Office Sports and wrote, "Given the current environment, ESPN has determined it necessary to identify some additional cost savings in the area of public-facing commentator salaries, and that process has begun."

"This exercise will include a small group of job cuts in the short-term and an ongoing focus on managing costs when we negotiate individual contract renewals in the months ahead," the network stated Friday morning, June 30.

"This is an extremely challenging process, involving individuals who have had a tremendous impact on our company. These difficult decisions, based more on overall efficiency than merit, will help us meet our financial targets and ensure future growth," the statement concluded.

Suzy Kolber shares 'heartbreaking' note on being laid off

Suzy Kolber took to Twitter to reveal she too had been laid off by ESPN. "Today I join the many hard-working colleagues who have been laid off. Heartbreaking - but 27 years at ESPN was a good run. So grateful for a 38 yr career!", she wrote. "Longevity for a woman in this business is something I’m especially proud of. Next step - a project that gives back," Kolber added.

Paying tribute to Kolber, ESPN's famed NFL reporter Adam Schefter said, "Suzy Kolber is a pioneer and a legend. She, like others laid off today, always will be remembered and missed."