India, Oct. 16 -- After a stretch of guest anchors and a wave of speculation, ESPN has officially found its new First Take host. The network has chosen Shae Cornette to take over the seat long held by Molly Qerim, who exited the show - and the network - last month.

The decision came Thursday, after nearly a month of on-air tryouts that saw Amina Smith, MJ Acosta Ruiz, Courtney Cronin, and Joe Fortenbaugh all take turns moderating the fiery morning debate show.

Qerim had been in the middle of contract talks when Sports Business Journal first broke the story of her leaving on September 15.

"After much reflection, I've decided it's time to close this incredible chapter and step away from First Take," she wrote on her Instagram story, the ...