ESPN is doing a major reshuffling and change after the integration of the NFL Network under its corporate umbrella. The decisions have already affected major ESPN names like Karl Ravech and Ryan Clark. Even former Heisman winner QB turned broadcaster Cam Newton has been laid off by ESPN. Now, in major news, the broadcaster is also cutting a prominent NFL Network analyst.

According to reports, analyst Charles Davis has been laid off by ESPN in its major reshuffle. He will, however, continue to feature on CBS in its lead Big Ten Afternoon games. Davis was a major figure in ESPN’s draft and scouting combine coverage, bringing his insights since 2007. This isn’t the only layoff ESPN is going to have, and reports say many more are to come.

ESPN completed the NFL Network takeover in April. The deal gave the NFL a 10% stake in ESPN. Consequently, NFL Network employees moved into ESPN, creating overlapping jobs, shows and production teams. That made layoffs likely. ESPN chairman Jimmy Pitaro said the company spent months reviewing its structure and resources.

“Over the past several months, we’ve made significant progress integrating the NFL assets that we acquired into ESPN,” Pitaro said in a memo. “Throughout this process, we have taken the time to carefully evaluate our collective teams, resources and organizational structure to best position us for the future. As a result, we had to make some difficult decisions about job impacts that we will be communicating today.”

The result was a large round of cuts, with most expected to hit NFL Network staff and behind-the-scenes employees. This is also happening during a wider Disney cost-cutting push. ESPN had already cut about 30 off-camera employees earlier in 2026. Davis, a former Tennessee player, joined CBS’s NFL coverage in 2020. Immediately, he became a familiar voice on college football and the NFL.

His ESPN work included football analysis across multiple assignments, while his wider broadcasting career also included FOX, CBS, NBC and NFL Network. Davis was also a major part of NFL Draft and scouting coverage. NFL.com lists him as an analyst for the NFL Scouting Combine, the Draft and the Senior Bowl. His departure is significant because ESPN is losing an experienced football analyst just as it expands its NFL footprint. But Clark’s departure was still the most dramatic.

Ryan Clark sends emotional statement after his dramatic firing

Clark was working on NFL Live on Monday when ESPN informed him that the network was ending its relationship with him. He did not finish the program. Reports said ESPN had planned to inform him Tuesday, but media inquiries created concern that the news would leak while he was still unaware. The network moved quickly and told him during the show instead.

“Proof of Life…Before the madness of yesterday, I woke up, got in my Tundra, drove to Planet Fitness, and got to work,” Clark said in a statement. “The rest of the day was eventful, but the journey continues. My peace is with God, and my humility comes from within. I’ll continue to build myself so the world can never strip me of what’s real. Get moving today y’all!”

Stephen A. Smith also voiced frustration over Clark’s exit and said he did not have the power to stop the decision. Clark had been with ESPN for 11 years and was also part of Monday Night Countdown. The cuts may not be finished. ESPN’s own memo said most job impacts were connected to the NFL Network acquisition, but other parts of the company would also face reductions.