Stephen A. Smith reportedly wants to try being a late-night TV host like Jay Leno

Credit: Tori Lynn Schneider / USA TODAY NETWORK

If you’re a sports fanatic, then you need no introduction to ESPN’s controversial personality, Stephen A. Smith. The 56-year-old Bronx, New York native has become one of the most popular analysts today, frequently appearing on programs such as SportsCenter.

But now Smith may be eyeing an even higher profile job than the one he already has.

According to Michael McCarthy of Front Office Sports, Smith has interest in becoming a late-night television host, much like Jay Leno did for decades. There are rumors that ABC’s Jimmy Kimmel may be eyeing an exit from Jimmy Kimmel Live! as he winds down toward the end of his contract in 2026. If so, Smith would like to be the one who replaces him at ABC.

And it’s not the first time Smith has been linked to the potential vacancy.

Fifteen months ago, Smith said he’d “love” to be the “heir” to Kimmel, and he recently doubled down on his desires.

“I’d be very interested in succeeding him (Jimmy Kimmel).”
Stephen A. Smith on his interest in replacing Jimmy Kimmel on late-night TV

While Smith is intrigued with the idea, he says he’d only do it if his Disney bosses approached him about the role first. Others have suggested Smith could earn a record-breaking $25 million per year contract if he stayed at ESPN.

However, not everyone thinks Smith is capable of making enough people laugh. At least not in the way comedians are supposed to.

“That time slot’s for professional comedians. Stephen A. is not a comedian. He’s a creature of morning TV.”
Anonymous TV executive on Stephen A. Smith

That’s a fair assessment. While Smith does draw a lot of attention for what he says, it’s hard to envision him suddenly being a comedian capable of carrying a crowd, every single night. But that doesn’t mean he shouldn’t try, if the opportunity arrives. It sure would be amusing, hopefully for his sake, in a good way.

Yet, Smith says he’s more than equipped for the challenge, suggesting people don’t really know the hidden side of his personality.

“I’ve got 15 nieces and nephews … two teenage daughters … four older sisters… . They’re all like, ‘I cannot believe people think you’re this serious. They don’t know what a clown you are.’ And I wanted to do that to show I could potentially make people laugh—and love doing it.”