ESPN commentator and host Michael Smith is leaving the year-old SC6, the 6 p.m. edition of SportsCenter, according to The Washington Post. 

After co-host Jemele Hill left the show in January, many speculated that the longtime ESPN pundit would follow suit. ESPN confirmed that Smith's last show will air Friday, March 9 during its usual timeslot. 

“Michael is a talented commentator and we greatly appreciate and value his contributions and creativity,” ESPN said in a statement provided to The Washington Post. “We are in the process of discussing with him potential next ESPN assignments.”

Over on Twitter, Smith hinted that there were a variety of creative differences that he did not agree with forcing him to move on from the show. He told a fan in a tweet that Hill's departure was not the reason. 

This is not the first time Smith has criticized the show's direction. On the We Leave You This podcast in January, he spoke of the show: “I’m not enamored of where we are right now. … We’re doing less and less of our thing. It’s been an adjustment.”

Hill left the show to become a contributor to ESPN’s Undefeated vertical that focuses on black culture and sports. She will also be featured in some of the network’s other programs. 

Months prior to her departure, Hill was subjected to harsh criticism for calling President Donald Trump a "white supremacist," in the wake of the August 2017 Charlottesville "Unite the Rally" white supremacist protest. She has always been a vocal critic of racism on Twitter and on the air, but this run-in with Trump led to a suspension and public ridicule. 

At this time, ESPN is still figuring out what direction the new show will go.

“Permanent anchors for the 6 p.m. SportsCenter will be determined and announced at a later date," the network said. "In the interim, the program will be hosted by a variety of anchors from the SportsCenter team.”

According to Andrew Marchand at The New York Post, Sage Steele and John Anderson may be possible replacements. 

Jemele-HillMichael Smith