Chris Berman could reportedly have expanded role with ESPN this season

Chris Berman took on a very limited role with ESPN at the end of the 2016 NFL season, and the network’s ratings have dipped since he left his familiar post. Could we see more of the legendary TV personality this upcoming season?

Andrew Marchand of the New York Post reports that Berman and ESPN have been in discussions about expanded duties for the 63-year-old this NFL season. While Berman would not return to working for the network full time, some possibilities include contributing more to Sunday night’s edition of “SportsCenter” and doing more features and interviews with “Sunday NFL Countdown.” One tentative plan, accoridng to Marchand, is for Berman to work a quarter of the NFL season.

Berman has semi-retired, and he is said to already have plans in place for many weekends. That would prevent him from being a regular contributor with ESPN on Sundays this fall, but the network seems open to customizing a schedule for him after ratings dropped by double-digits for “Sunday NFL Countdown” last season.

As Marchand notes, the idea to reduce Berman’s role was initially spearheaded by former ESPN president John Skipper, who resigned back in December. Berman has remained on the network’s payroll.

Berman recently found himself involved in a lawsuit that was filed by a former ESPN employee, but the disturbing claims against him are apparently not a major concern for the higher-ups in Bristol.