Sporting News: ESPN named Chris Connelly interim editor-in-chief Wednesday afternoon. He’ll be taking over Bill Simmons’ duties after ESPN decided to not renew the popular writer’s contract. “We are thrilled to have a journalist of Chris’ caliber join us on an interim basis as we go forward and build on the smart, fun, adventurous, creative, unexpected and vital spirit of Grantland,” Marie Donoghue, ESPN EVP, global strategy and original content, said in a statement. “Chris has been an award-winning journalist and storyteller in sports, music and pop culture for over three decades, and as a longtime contributor at Grantland, he appreciates the incredible team we have assembled.”