ESPN planning to lay off NFL analyst Ryan Clark ahead of network's first Super Bowl broadcast

ESPN is planning to lay off NFL analyst Ryan Clark, multiple sources told OutKick.

Clark is expected to be part of a round of layoffs the network could announce as soon as Tuesday.

The NFL analyst will be among the highest-paid on-air personalities ESPN cuts, sources said, earning roughly $2 million per year. It is unclear whether Clark’s contract is expiring or whether he is being sidelined with time remaining on his deal.

Clark joined ESPN after retiring from the NFL in 2015 and re-signed with the network in 2021 for three years. In 2024, the two sides had contentious contract negotiations and Clark posted on social media at the time that he felt he "deserved more" and ESPN "disagreed." Ultimately, the two sides agreed to a deal.

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The timing of the decision is particularly notable given Clark's role on ESPN's Monday Night Countdown pregame NFL coverage. The network is set to carry its first Super Bowl on February 14. Sources say ESPN is considering both internal and external candidates to replace Clark on its Super Bowl studio coverage.

Clark has become an increasingly polarizing figure inside ESPN in recent years. Sage Steele alleged in her lawsuit against the network that Clark refused to work with her on-air.

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Over the past year, he has also generated headlines for criticizing Robert Griffin III over his marriage to a White woman, an on-air exchange with Peter Schrager that reportedly continued off-air, and making disputed claims about how Louisiana police officers handled the fatal crash investigation involving former LSU player Kyren Lacy, who died by suicide.

If you or someone you know is having thoughts of suicide, please contact the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-TALK (8255).

OutKick reached out to ESPN for comment on Clark’s status with the network, but the network did not provide a statement before publication.

This is a breaking news story. Check back with OutKick for updates.