Match made in heaven? ESPN hires Tim Tebow for SEC Network

ESPN's research department has pushed a singular mantra when it comes to college football: You can never have too much SEC. In similar fashion, the network has ridden news surrounding Tim Tebow with a Justin Bieber-like fervor. Now, these two forces have come together, and it should make for an interesting ride.

On Monday, ESPN announced that it had formally reached an agreement with Tebow to serve as a college football analyst for the upcoming SEC Network. The network said Tebow's primary role will be as an analyst for SEC Nation, a Saturday morning pregame show that will travel to different SEC campuses each week. In the months leading up to the launch of SEC Nation on Aug. 28, ESPN said Tebow will also contribute to a variety of ESPN platforms, including SportsCenter, ESPN Radio and the network's Heisman Trophy coverage. The former Florida quarterback will also be part of studio coverage for the new College Football Playoff, which goes into effect next season.

As far as continuing a professional playing career, Tebow reportedly has an out clause in his contract. (He signed a multi-year deal with ESPN.) Tebow will make his debut during coverage of the BCS title game on Jan. 6. He will appear several times throughout that day, including in the 9 a.m. ET edition of SportsCenter, College Football Live (3 p.m.) and College GameDay (7 p.m.).

"While I continue to pursue my dream of playing quarterback in the NFL, this is an amazing opportunity to be part of the unparalleled passion of college football and the SEC," Tebow said in a statement.

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