Rich Eisen 'SportsCenter' return: Long-time ESPN host to anchor program for first time in over 20 years

Shortly after the Cincinnati Bengals and Washington Commanders wrap up "Monday Night Football," sports fans of a certain age will see a familiar face in a very familiar role on ESPN.

Rich Eisen is returning to host "SportsCenter" for the first time in over 20 years Monday. He'll serve as an anchor for the program, and be joined by NFL analyst Mina Kimes in studio.

It will mark the first time since 2003 that Eisen has appeared on the program. He rose to prominence with ESPN between 1996 and 2003, but left the network to join NFL Network when it launched in 2003. Eisen spent the last 20+ years with NFL Network, serving in a variety of roles at the network.

Both networks operated independently until early August, when ESPN acquired NFL Network in a broadcasting deal. That deal opened the door for Eisen to return to the four-letter network.

Eisen is expected to appear on both channels in the future. He'll resume his NFL Network duties, but will make occasional appearances on ESPN.

In addition to anchoring shows, Eisen's radio show, the aptly titled "Rich Eisen Show," will appear on ESPN in September. That partnership was in the works prior to ESPN acquiring NFL Network.