Keith Olbermann takes an expanded role at ESPN, including a return to 'SportsCenter'

A.J. Perez | USA TODAY

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Keith Olbermann's most recent return to ESPN just became more prominent.

Olbermann, who has made appearances on various ESPN shows in recent months, will have an increased role on the network as part of a deal announced Friday that includes a return to SportsCenter as a guest anchor.

“Since we started this, my sixth separate tenure with ESPN, in January, I’ve found the variety of assignments to be the most fun and energizing of all my stints,” Olbermann said in a statement. “Adding stuff, like being a rookie 59-year-old play-by-play guy, plus the Rip Van Winkle of SportsCenter, only adds to the smorgasbord. Can’t wait, and at my age, I shouldn’t.”

Olbermann’s first assignment under the new deal comes Monday, as he will call the Astros-Yankees game on ESPN Radio, according to ESPN’s news release. Olbermann also will co-host some editions of PTI and will make appearances on Outside the Lines.

The new pact with Olbermann will likely be dissected by some right-leaning commentators, many of whom have hammered ESPN over an alleged left-leaning bias. Olbermann has been a frequent – and forceful – critic of President Trump and other Republicans on social media and other mediums.

Olbermann, who left ESPN for the first time in 1997, gained prominence outside sports by hosting Countdown, a political show on MSNBC and Current TV. Olbermann had a show on ESPN2 from 2013-15.