A.J. Perez

USA TODAY Sports

Max Kellerman was tapped as Skip Bayless’ replacement on ESPN2’s First Take, the network announced on Monday.

The move on the two-hour weekday morning show that epitomizes the “embrace debate” format reunites Kellerman with Stephen A. Smith. The two co-hosted an ESPN Radio New York show previously.

“Years back, on-the-air and in the hallways of ESPN Radio New York, Stephen A. and I would engage in detailed and thoughtful discussions on sports and every other topic you can imagine,” Kellerman said in a statement. “To do that again, now for the First Take audience, is going to be a lot of fun.”

Kellerman will make his First Take debut on July 25.

“I’m ecstatic to have Max on board,” Smith said in a statement. “We’ve known one another for years. More importantly, Max is smart, quick on his feet and is never — ever — afraid to go at anyone. Just the kind of partner I wanted. It’s time! Let’s go! Can’t wait.”

Skip Bayless gives emotional goodbye to 'First Take' and Stephen A. Smith

Friday will mark Kellerman’s final day on ESPN2’s SportsNation along with his ESPN LA radio show, which were both broadcast out of Los Angeles. Kellerman will move to the East Coast as First Take is broadcast out of ESPN’s headquarters in Bristol, Conn.

Bayless left First Take after more than a decade on the show for Fox Sports 1. His last day on First Take was June 21.