When Dan Orlovsky wrapped up First Take in February, he left viewers with an oddly wistful sign-off—“I’m taking a break, won’t be on TV for a long time.” For a moment, it looked like his ESPN chapter had quietly closed as he was seeking a new deal. Rumors flew that he’d test the broadcast market or maybe even trade the analyst desk for an NFL sideline. But as March rolled in, Orlovsky clarified he wasn’t retiring at all. Sometimes, an exit speech is just a reset button.

By July, ESPN was already calling his contract “at the 1-yard line” on signing a long-term extension, keeping him on NFL Live, Get Up, First Take, even as the No.2 analyst for Monday Night Football. It’s the kind of reversal that keeps you on the edge. After all, there are two sides to this, one who was celebrating his ‘break’ and one (even if they might be in the minority) who wanted him to stay… The latter side has come out in full force now after Dan finally inks the contract with the network.

On Wednesday, Dan confirmed that his new deal with ESPN is official. “Officially official,” he wrote on social media. “Unbelievably grateful. Unfinished work to be done. The best job in the world.” Indeed. Even CBS’ JJ Watt couldn’t resist jumping in and congratulating the ESPN analyst. “Congrats brother!” JJ wrote. Two words, sure. But it carries depth.

Amidst his retirement rumors and contract talks with ESPN, Orlovsky reportedly had talks with CBS’ Big Ten broadcasters in place of retiring Gary Danielson. His current deal was set to expire ahead of the 2025 NFL season. Orlovsky reportedly desired to coach at the collegiate or pro level. But his long-term contract extension with ESPN means the NFL sidelines will have to wait for the ex-NFLer.

“Gotta keep working. Gotta keep proving yourself. [And] gotta stay hungry. It’s always the journey,” he shared on social media earlier this week. The 41-year-old NFL legend joined ESPN in 2018 shortly after his NFL career, and has remained one of the network’s most relatable football voices ever since. Meanwhile, reports are already swirling about what could be next for Dan Orlovsky once his time at ESPN eventually wraps.

Life beyond ESPN for Dan Orlovsky

Back in 2008, when Dan Orlovsky earned his first start for the Lions, he scrambled under pressure and confusedly stepped out of the back of his own end zone for a safety. It was the play that sealed yet another loss in a 0-10 season. In his own words, “When they started blowing the whistle, I was like, ‘Did we false start or were they offsides or something?’ Then I looked and I was like, ‘You are an idiot.'” That was the kind of start Dan had in his NFL career. Rough, tough, and partly embarrassing.

He began his NFL career back in 2005 and spent most of it as a backup quarterback. He wasn’t able to shine in big moments. And he wasn’t able to put in amazing numbers. But that doesn’t mean he didn’t absorb the X’s and O’s of the game. He joined ESPN right after hanging up his cleats and now serves as one of the most reliable voices in the NFL. But it seems like he still desires to return to the field.

During his appearance on The Pat McAfee Show, ESPN’s Adam Schefter shared a new layer on Orlovsky’s dreams and plans after broadcasting. “Dan’s been talking to some teams and seeing if there’s something that interests him and is worthwhile for him,” Schefter put it plainly and simply. The main goal? To head coach an NFL franchise.

Schefter went on, “I think Dan aspires to be a head coach in time. And that’s what he’d like to do. And so he’s been talking to people to see if there’s a spot that would work for him. It’s not automatic. He does a great job on TV. Obviously, he could stay in TV and do that for the rest of his career if that’s what he wanted. But I think at his core, I think he misses being part of a football game.” 

Sure, he’s not walking into a head coaching role. But if Orlovsky’s serious, he could end up as a QB coach or something close. And hey, maybe then we’ll finally get to see what magical foundation he’s been using to judge Patrick Mahomes (and the other QBs) from afar. Or maybe not.