Mark Jackson fired by ESPN after decade of working as NBA analyst for the broadcaster

ESPN has announced that they've let go of former NBA player Mark Jackson following a decade of working for them as a broadcaster. Alongside Jeff Van Gundy, the two were known to team up with veteran broadcaster, Mike Breen, broadcasting some NBA games.

Jackson joined ESPN following his stint with the Golden State Warriors, where he saw the potential of a young backcourt duo of Steph Curry and Klay Thompson.

Van Gundy was the first to be let go by ESPN "in a round of cost-cutting layoffs". According to sources, the duo will be replaced by Doris Burke and former Philadelphia 76ers head coach, Doc Rivers.

"ESPN is closing in on promoting Doris Burke to the NBA Finals," Andrew Marchand wrote. "Hiring Doc Rivers to join her and jettisoning Mark Jackson to the “B” team or off the network, The Post has learned. In the wake of Jeff Van Gundy’s firing in late June, ESPN set their eyes on making Burke the first woman TV analyst on the NBA Finals and hiring Rivers to join Hall of Fame play-by-player Mike Breen."

Jackson shared on Instagram about finding out about his firing from ESPN. The former Indiana Pacers guard wishes the company all the best and is looking forward to opening a different chapter in his professional life.

What's next for Mark Jackson?

Mark Jackson had been a staple in broadcasting following his stint as the head coach of the Warriors. Now, he's kicked out by ESPN and will likely pursue other things. One option for Jackson is to join a different network, which could be possible as he's a recognizable voice around the broadcasting world.

Another option for him would be to return to coaching. He's known as one of the best coaches and was the one who unlocked the potential of Curry and Thompson during his tenure with the Warriors. It was reported recently that his former broadcast partner, Jeff Van Gundy, has explored his options in joining a team to coach.

Last year, he was asked by TMZ Sports about his potential return to the sidelines as a coach. Jackson answered that he's ready whenever he gets a call from a team and will likely pursue coaching again.

"I got my phone on, so I'm more than available," Jackson answered. "They know how to find me. I look forward to that day."

During his last season as an NBA coach, the former NBA player led Golden State to a 51-31 record in the Western Conference. The future was bright for him and the team but he was let go by the Warriors organization following their first-round exit against the LA Clippers.

Since then, he hasn't had any chances to return to coaching. Still, his availability to pursue the same path as Van Gundy is open and teams could interview him for a coaching position once a vacancy opens up.