As most avid sideline reporter fans already know, ESPN's golden girl Erin Andrew has left the Worldwide Leader for greener pastures, Fox Sports to be specific.
Yes, Andrews is the crown jewel of sideline reporting, but ESPN has a solid farm system built up to replace Andrews.
ESPN could also look to lure an Andrews replacement from another network, where the options are abundant.
Below are the best options for an Andrews replacement.
Jenn Brown
Brown is an ESPN veteran who already covers college football and basketball. Brown is the consensus favorite to replace Andrews, and it is easy to see why.
Samantha Steele
If Brown is the favorite to replace Andrews, Steele is the runner up. Steele already works with ESPN and covers football, most recently for the Longhorn Network. Not many people would complain if ESPN selected Steele, but she doesn't have the big name quite yet.
Charissa Thompson
Thompson has been moving up the ESPN ladder quickly lately, but a move to lead sideline reporter would be a massive jump. Thompson has previous sideline experience, but seems to be focusing on hosting. Thompson recently replaced Michelle Beadle on SportsNation.
Michelle Beadle
This is a real long shot. Beadle recently left ESPN to join NBC Sports, and is more of a host than reporter, but if ESPN could pull this off it would numb the pain of losing Andrews.
Bonnie Bernstein
Welcome to our "Blast From the Past" category. Bernstein is an ESPN veteran who left the sideline for the desk, but a comeback would surely make the older football fans happy.
Suzy Kolber
Continuing the theme of wiser, experienced sideline reporters, Suzy Kolber could give it one last go on the sideline. Less chance of Joe Namath showing up in the college game.
Shannon Spake
Spake is a logical replacement candidate for many reasons. Spake went to school in Florida, like Andrews, and already covers college basketball. Nascar is currently Spake's specialty, but that requires wearing those huge fire suits every day. A move to Andrews old position would give Spake an opportunity for a slightly more diverse wardrobe. This is good.
Heidi Watney
Watney is an up and coming sports reporter who has worked for the Red Sox and Lakers. She would bring a fresh face to ESPN with prior experience reporting. Unlike some of our suggestions, this is actually a reasonable possibility.
Jenn Sterger
If ESPN is really looking to make a big splash with their replacement hire, Sterger would be a cannonball title wave inducing mega splash. This is however, beyond a long shot.
Leeann Tweeden
Tweeden brings a wide range of experiences to the table. She has worked on two sports shows, however never as a sideline reporter. She also has been named one of the 20 best Hooters girls of all time. Anyone with these qualifications must be at least considered.
Back to the Michigan Wolverines Newsfeed