Report: Michael Strahan to Join Kelly Ripa as Co-Host of ‘Live!’

While Disney and ABC won’t formally announce Kelly Ripa’s permanent co-host until September 4th (when Ripa is expected to walk on stage with her new co-host in tow), multiple reports are naming former NFL star Michael Strahan as the one who will replace Regis Philbin on ‘Live!’

Strahan, who played 14 seasons as a defensive end for the New York Giants, was a frequent guest host with Ripa after Philbin left earlier this year. He was named one of the leading candidates for the job alongside ‘SNL’ star Seth Meyers and singer Josh Groban.

Today, Ben Grossman, Editor-in-Chief of Broadcasting & Cable magazine, tweeted “Several sources tell me Michael Strahan will be announced as new co-host of Live, replacing Regis.” Michael Schneider, TV Guide’s LA Bureau Chief, quickly followed up with a tweet saying, “Hearing the same.”

Strahan is expected to keep his job as co-anchor of the popular NFL on FOX pre-game show on Sundays during the football season even though that show tapes in Los Angeles and ‘Live!’ tapes in New York City.