Report: Sam Ponder to replace Chris Berman on 'Sunday NFL Countdown'

ESPN college reporter Sam Ponder has been offered the position of host of "Sunday NFL Countdown," replacing broadcasting legend Chris Berman, reports Richard Deitsch of Sports Illustrated, but a deal hasn't been completed.

Berman stepped down from his position as the face of ESPN's NFL coverage at the end of the 2016 season.

After hosting "Sunday NFL Countdown" for 31 years, Berman will now transition into other roles.

Berman's departure also left vacancies on "Monday Night Countdown" and the opening night of ESPN's draft coverage, the latter of which is expected to be filled be Trey Wingo, who's previously hosted the second and third days of the coverage.

Deitsch notes it was ESPN president John Skipper's decision to go with Ponder, and is due to a desire to "get more women in front-facing positions for the network’s NFL coverage."

Ponder is married to NFL quarterback Christian Ponder who played for the San Francisco 49ers last season and is set to hit free agency.