The sidelines will have to wait for Dan Orlovsky.
Despite courtships from the pro and college levels and his own desire to coach, Orlovsky is remaining at ESPN on a long-term contract extension, a person with knowledge of the situation confirmed to USA TODAY Sports.
The person was granted anonymity because the deal is not yet official despite terms being agreed upon.
‘Gotta keep working. Gotta keep proving yourself. Gotta stay hungry. It’s always the journey,’ the 12-year NFL quarterback wrote on social media Monday.
After the Super Bowl in February, Orlovksy caused a stir by saying ‘you never know what the future holds’ before taking a weeks-long break from TV. ESPN insider Adam Schefter later reported on Orlovsky’s desire to be a head coach one day and the options currently in front of him.
Orlovsky joined ESPN in 2018 shortly after his playing career, mostly spent as a backup with the Detroit Lions, ended. He quickly established himself as one of the network’s most relatable football voices with his ability to break down film and also discuss traditional headlines.
In his new deal, Orlovsky will remain a presence on morning shows ‘Get Up’ and ‘First Take’ in addition to his full-time role on ‘NFL Live.’ He first appeared on ‘NFL Live’ in 2019 and became a cast member in 2020. Alongside fellow analysts Marcus Spears, Mina Kimes, Ryan Clark and host Laura Rutledge, ‘NFL Live’ has experienced a viewership increase over recent seasons.
Orlovsky also calls a weekly college football game for ESPN/ABC and is a member of the network’s No. 2 NFL team with play-by-play announcer Chris Fowler, analyst Louis Riddick and Rutledge as the reporter.
The expectation is that Orlovsky will eventually make his way into the coaching profession. But for the next few years, his pupils will be the football-watching public.