Career Timeline of Skip Bayless: Major Achievements and Milestones

How Skip Bayless built a successful career. Explore key moments that defined the journey.

Skip Bayless is an American sports columnist, commentator, and television personality. He gained prominence as a commentator on ESPN2's *First Take* with Stephen A. Smith. In September 2016, he launched *Skip and Shannon: Undisputed* with Shannon Sharpe on Fox Sports 1. Bayless was the lead personality of the show until his departure in August 2024.

Sections (2)

Full Timeline Career & Achievements

1969: Internship at The Daily Oklahoman

In the summer of 1969, Skip Bayless interned at The Daily Oklahoman under sports editor Frank Boggs.

August 1976: Joins Los Angeles Times

In August 1976, Skip Bayless joined the Los Angeles Times.

1989: Joins The Sports Reporters

In 1989, Skip Bayless joined host Dick Schaap as a panelist on ESPN's The Sports Reporters.

1989: Publication of God's Coach

In 1989, Skip Bayless wrote his first book, "God's Coach: The Hymns, Hype and Hypocrisy of Tom Landry's Cowboys," focusing on the rise and fall of Tom Landry's Dallas Cowboys.

God's Coach: The Hymns, Hype, and Hypocrisy of Tom Landry's Cowboys

Check it on Amazon

1991: Hosts Sports Talk Radio Show on KLIF

In 1991, Skip Bayless began hosting a sports talk radio show from 6-8 p.m. Monday through Friday for Dallas radio station KLIF.

1992: Member of Knights of the Roundtable

In 1992, Skip Bayless became a member of the original debate team on NFL Prime Monday's "Knights of the Roundtable" segments with Mitch Albom and Michael Wilbon.

1993: Publication of The Boys

In 1993, following the Cowboys' Super Bowl victory, Skip Bayless wrote "The Boys: The Untold Story of the Dallas Cowboys' Season on the Edge".

1994: Investor in KTCK and Host of The Skip Bayless Show

In 1994, Skip Bayless became one of the original investors in the Fort Worth radio station KTCK ("the Ticket") and hosted The Skip Bayless Show from 6-9 a.m. weekdays.

1996: Contract Buyout from Cumulus Media

In 1996, after the original owners sold KTCK to Cumulus Media, Skip Bayless's contract was bought out.

1998: Joins Chicago Tribune

In 1998, Skip Bayless left Dallas after 17 years and became the lead sports columnist for the Chicago Tribune.

1999: Commentary for Golf Channel

In 1999, Skip Bayless provided commentary for the Golf Channel from the major golf championships.

2000: Commentary for Golf Channel

In 2000, Skip Bayless provided commentary for the Golf Channel from the major golf championships.

July 2001: Leaves Chicago Tribune

In July 2001, Skip Bayless left the Chicago Tribune.

2001: Appears on Jim Rome's Show

In 2001, Skip Bayless appeared regularly on Jim Rome's show on Fox Sports Net, The Last Word.

2001: Guest Host of The Jim Rome Show

In 2001, Skip Bayless became the primary guest host of the syndicated radio program, The Jim Rome Show.

2002: Frequent Appearances on The Best Damn Sports Show Period

In 2002, Skip Bayless made frequent appearances on Fox's The Best Damn Sports Show Period.

2003: Fixture on Rome is Burning

In 2003, Skip Bayless became a fixture on Rome is Burning when Jim Rome moved to ESPN. He was also featured in a weekly SportsCenter debate segment with Stephen A. Smith called "Old School/Nu Skool".

2004: Hired Full-Time by ESPN

In 2004, ESPN hired Skip Bayless full-time to team up with Woody Paige in daily debate segments called "1st and 10" on ESPN2's Cold Pizza, and to write columns for ESPN.com.

2004: Full-time Move to Television

In 2004, Skip Bayless moved full-time into television, ending his weekend show on ESPN Radio with Larry Beil.

May 2007: Cold Pizza Rebranded as First Take

In May 2007, Cold Pizza, which had been produced in New York, was rebranded as First Take and moved to ESPN's headquarters in Bristol, Connecticut. Around this time, Skip Bayless stopped writing for ESPN.com.

August 2012: Resumes Writing for ESPN.com

In August 2012, Skip Bayless resumed writing columns for ESPN.com.

April 26, 2016: Parting Ways with ESPN

On April 26, 2016, it was reported that Skip Bayless had parted ways with ESPN and would be moving to Fox Sports after his contract expired in August.