ESPN makes changes to ‘College GameDay’ leadership

ESPN is making a change behind the scenes at “College GameDay,” removing longtime lead producer Jim Gaiero from the network’s flagship college football studio show.

Gaiero, who has worked as a lead producer on “College GameDay” for about a decade, will no longer produce the program, according to Awful Announcing. Staff members involved with the show were reportedly informed of the change earlier this month.

Matthew Garrett, an ESPN vice president of production, is expected to take over as executive producer.

Gaiero is not leaving ESPN. The network says the veteran producer will shift to several other high-profile assignments, including preparation for ESPN’s Super Bowl coverage in February. He is expected to work on pregame studio programming and take on a larger role in the network’s golf coverage surrounding the Masters and PGA Championship.

Gaiero is also expected to eventually become lead producer for ESPN’s Masters and PGA Championship coverage in 2028 and will produce the network’s Thursday night college football games.

Awful Announcing reported, however, that several people connected to “College GameDay” questioned whether the new assignments fully explain the timing and handling of Gaiero’s removal.

Some sources pointed to reported friction involving Pat McAfee, who joined “College GameDay” as a regular contributor in 2023. McAfee publicly criticized some longtime ESPN employees and “GameDay” producers in October 2025, saying “old ESPN people” were among those who disliked him.

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Sources told Awful Announcing they believed those comments were aimed in part at Gaiero and Garrett. ESPN executive Burke Magnus later defended McAfee, saying he viewed the remarks as an expression of frustration rather than a direct attack on a “GameDay” producer.

The report said McAfee’s relationship with the production team may have factored into the decision, although ESPN’s position is that Gaiero’s reassignment gives him major responsibilities elsewhere at the network.

Gaiero has worked at ESPN since 1995. In addition to “College GameDay,” he has produced college football and basketball games, NBA Draft coverage and PGA Championship coverage. He previously served as a lead producer for ESPN’s NASCAR broadcasts before the network lost its NASCAR rights after the 2014 season.

The production change comes as “College GameDay” continues an on-air transition. Lee Corso retired after Week 1 last season, while McAfee and former Alabama coach Nick Saban have taken larger roles alongside host Rece Davis and analysts Desmond Howard and Kirk Herbstreit.

ESPN declined to comment to Awful Announcing.

“College GameDay” is scheduled to open its season Sept. 5 from Baton Rouge, Louisiana, ahead of the Clemson-LSU game.