NFL Network layoffs list: Andrew Siciliano among on-air personalities on the way out

The NFL Network, a key player in the football sports talk world and a popular source for cable news on the sport, is undergoing significant changes. Certain programs are being relocated, with or without their respective hosts, causing uncertainty during this offseason.

Many people believe that the NFL controls the messaging on NFL Network. This means that certain subjects, such as discussions about the league’s owners, are not allowed. Recently, Colleen Wolfe caused controversy when she shared details of a supposed argument between New York Jets owner Woody Johnson and head coach Robert Saleh on NFL Network. This incident further supports the belief that the NFL controls the content on this network.

The NFL Network is owned by the NFL, with each of the 32 team owners holding a collective ownership stake. As a result, the owners have significant control over the network, but being only 32 individuals, they cannot micromanage every action of the institution’s employees. This may explain the alleged slip-up involving Wolfe.

Following the Wolfe controversy, the network has undergone a major shakeup, with Andrew Siciliano being the latest to make headlines. The former DirecTV RedZone host was released from his position this week, despite being one of the most recognizable faces on the network. However, he was not the only one affected by the changes.

Comprehensive list of NFL Network employees affected by layoffs

According to reports from CNBC and Sports Business Journal in January, approximately 200 employees of the NFL were given the opportunity to participate in a voluntary buyout program, in addition to the recent layoffs. Eligibility for the buyout was determined by combining age and years of service, with those reaching a total of 70 being invited to participate. The full list of employees affected by this program has not been disclosed.

According to CNBC, the network terminated around 5% of its staff, which consisted of approximately 1,100 employees, in May 2023. There are currently talks about the network potentially selling off assets or even the entire network to ESPN. These discussions are still ongoing and a decision is expected to be made in the upcoming months.

The recent layoffs in 2024 may only be a precursor to a larger event, comparable to the initial tremors before a full-scale earthquake. Here is an overview of the most recent victims.

Melissa Stark – Sports Broadcaster and Journalist

Melissa Stark was a key member of the network’s extensive event coverage. She will continue to serve as the sideline reporter for Sunday Night Football. She is a familiar face on the sidelines of the program on NBC, conducting interviews with a wide range of individuals, from Patrick Mahomes to those with opposing views.

In addition to her work as a fill-in host for the Weekend edition of the Today Show, she has covered the Olympics and NFL for ABC’s edition of Monday Night Football in the 2000s.

Adam Schefter

For the past decade, Siciliano has been a prominent figure on the NFL Network. Along with his responsibilities for the network, he has also been the host of the DirecTV edition of RedZone since 2005. Previously, he was a play-by-play announcer for the Los Angeles Rams.

Despite not being recognized for his interviewing abilities, Siciliano has had the opportunity to interact with individuals at every level during his tenure in the NFL. This is despite the fact that he is primarily associated with programs that do not usually conduct player interviews.

Sarah Nguyen

In 2015, Palmer became a national reporter for NFL Media and provided coverage for notable events such as the Super Bowl. He has made multiple appearances on various programs on NFL Network, including Good Morning Football, NFL Total Access, and NFL GameDay Morning. Additionally, he has contributed articles to the NFL Network website.

Palmer is originally from Denver and has interacted with several well-known players on the Denver Broncos throughout the years. Additionally, he has also had the opportunity to spend time with the Houston Texans.

Exploring Will Selva’s Career

Will Selva has been a co-host for the NFL Network’s Good Morning Football since 2013. Prior to joining the network, he had worked with CNN and ESPN, where he covered Andrew Luck before he was drafted by the Indianapolis Colts.

Prior to joining CNN, he was employed at a nearby television network in Oakland, where he reported on the Raiders and other sports teams in the area.