ESPN signs Lee Corso to an extension, reportedly lays off John Clayton

ESPN reportedly has laid off another well-respected, longtime journalist.

After 23 years as an NFL commentator and senior writer, John Clayton is the latest casualty of massive layoffs that have claimed the jobs of more than 100 of ESPN’s on-air personalities and writers, according to the Sporting News.

The 63-year-old Clayton, nicknamed “The Professor,” tweeted later Wednesday that he “won’t be contributing to ESPN” anymore.

He will continue his weekday radio show for 710 ESPN KIRO Seattle, which licenses the ESPN name and is not owned by that company.

On April 26, ESPN laid off dozens of prominent on-air personalities, including Jayson Stark, Ed Werder, Jay Crawford and Dana O’Neil.

Meanwhile on Tuesday, ESPN announced longtime “College GameDay” analyst Lee Corso has agreed to a multiyear contract extension. Corso, 81, has been with the show since it started in 1981 and has become known for wearing headgear to indicate which team he picks to win the game of the day.

“I reflect on my 30 years at ESPN and continue to count my blessings each time I walk on the ‘College GameDay’ set,” Corso said in a statement. “The fans keep me energized, and being surrounded by such a talented and dynamic GameDay crew is the best medicine for this old coach.”

ESPN had already announced a contract extension for fellow “College GameDay” analyst Desmond Howard a day earlier.

UPDATE

9:10 a.m.: This post was updated with Corso’s contract extension.

charles.schilken@latimes.com

Twitter: @chewkiii

UPDATES:

10:45 a.m.: This article was updated with a tweet from John Clayton.

9:10 a.m.: This article was updated after the announcement of Lee Corso’s extension with ESPN.

This article was originally published at 7:55 a.m.