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 recognized for his outspoken and often controversial opinions. He gained prominence as a commentator on ESPN2's 'First Take' alongside Stephen A. Smith. In September 2016, he launched 'Skip and Shannon: Undisputed' with Shannon Sharpe on Fox Sports 1, where he served as the lead personality for eight years. Bayless is known for his provocative style and willingness to challenge popular narratives within the sports world.

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Full Timeline Career & Achievements

1969: Internship at The Daily Oklahoman

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

August 1976: Joins Los Angeles Times

In August 1976, Bayless took a position at the Los Angeles Times, where he was known for investigative stories.

1989: Joins The Sports Reporters

In 1989, Bayless joined host Dick Schaap as a panelist on ESPN's "The Sports Reporters", and was a regular on the show for the next decade.

1989: Publishes God's Coach

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

1991: Hosts Sports Talk Radio Show

In 1991, Bayless began a two-year stint hosting a sports talk radio show for Dallas radio station KLIF.

1992: Member of NFL Prime Monday's Roundtable

In 1992, 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: Publishes The Boys

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

1994: Investor in KTCK

In 1994, Bayless became one of the original investors in the Fort Worth radio station KTCK ("the Ticket"), and hosted The Skip Bayless Show.

1996: Leaves KTCK

In 1996, Cumulus Media bought out Bayless's contract at KTCK.

1998: Joins Chicago Tribune

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

1999: Commentary for the Golf Channel

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

2000: Commentary for the Golf Channel

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

July 2001: Leaves Chicago Tribune

In July 2001, Bayless left the Chicago Tribune.

2001: Appears on Jim Rome's Show

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

2002: Appears on The Best Damn Sports Show Period

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

2003: Becomes a Fixture on Rome is Burning

In 2003, Bayless became a fixture on Rome is Burning when Jim Rome moved to ESPN. He also had a debate segment with Stephen A. Smith on SportsCenter.

2004: Moves Full-Time into Television

In 2004, Bayless moved full-time into television after co-hosting a weekend show on ESPN Radio with Larry Beil.

2004: Hired by ESPN Full-Time

In 2004, ESPN hired 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.

May 2007: Cold Pizza Rebranded as First Take

In May 2007, "Cold Pizza" was rebranded as "First Take", and production moved to Bristol, Connecticut. Around this time, Bayless stopped writing for ESPN.com.