Scott Van Pelt on inside track to replace Suzy Kolber on ESPN NFL ‘Countdown’

ESPN has made its decision on the next host of “Monday Night Countdown.”

Scott Van Pelt has the “inside track” for the job, The Post’s Andrew Marchand said on the “Marchand and Ourand Sports Media Podcast” this week.

Van Pelt, 57, and the network are discussing a new contract, Marchand added.

He previously reported that Van Pelt and Laura Rutledge were the two primary candidates to replace Suzy Kolber, who was among the 20 or so ESPN talents who were laid off at the end of June.

On Wednesday, The Athletic’s Richard Deitsch reported that Van Pelt would be getting the job and that both he and Rutledge have been informed about the decision by the network.

Deitsch added that the deal is not finalized, but is “headed that way.”

An ESPN spokesperson declined to comment to The Post, and Van Pelt did not immediately respond to a message.

This news would also seem to put Van Pelt on the inside track to take part in Super Bowl coverage when ESPN/ABC get their turn in the rotation.

In September, Van Pelt will have hosted the midnight edition of “SportsCenter” for the past eight years.

The program effectively serves as ESPN’s postgame show for the evening, and some of his most-watched shows of the year are after the network’s “Monday Night Football” games.

Van Pelt also anchors ESPN’s coverage of The Masters and the PGA Championship, and previously hosted on ESPN Radio with co-hosts including Mike Tirico and Ryen Russillo.

In addition to Kolber, ESPN’s high-profile layoffs in late June included Jeff Van Gundy, Jalen Rose, Todd McShay, Matt Hasselbeck, Ashley Brewer, David Pollack, Jason Fitz, Nick Friedell, Jordan Cornette, LaPhonso Ellis and Joon Lee.