A significant behind-the-scenes change is reportedly coming to ESPN's "College GameDay."
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Jim Gaiero, who has served as a lead producer on the iconic college football pregame show for the past decade, has been removed from the program, according to Awful Announcing.
Matthew Garrett, ESPN's vice president of production, is expected to take over as executive producer.
Gaiero isn't leaving ESPN. The network says the veteran producer, who has worked there for more than 30 years, will take on a major role in ESPN's preparations for its Super Bowl coverage in February. He's also expected to work extensively on the network's golf coverage and produce Thursday night college football games.
Still, Awful Announcing reports there may be more behind the "GameDay" move.
Multiple people involved with the show reportedly questioned the timing of Gaiero's reassignment. Sources also pointed to previous friction involving Pat McAfee, who publicly criticized "GameDay" producers last October.
McAfee complained at the time about "old ESPN people" disliking him and noted that longtime ESPN employees were producing "GameDay." Sources told Awful Announcing those remarks were directed, at least in part, toward Gaiero and Garrett.
The report also notes that Nick Saban has a close relationship with Gaiero and is believed to be unhappy about the change. ESPN declined comment to Awful Announcing.
The production shakeup comes as "College GameDay" continues its transition following Lee Corso's retirement last season.
The show will open its 2026 season Sept. 5 from Baton Rouge ahead of Clemson-LSU.
