Michael Strahan Says on 'Live!' That He Is Going to 'Good Morning America'

A source confirms to PEOPLE that ABC News has been talking to the former football defensive end for months

Published on April 1, 2014 10:45 PM

Michael Strahan may soon join Good Morning America, he confirmed on Wednesday morning Live! – with some reservations.

Though ABC declined to comment, a source confirms to PEOPLE that ABC News has been talking to the former New York Giants defensive end, 42, for months.

Strahan, speaking to his Live! co-host Kelly Ripa on the air Wednesday, said the news about his joining the top-rated morning show – which he said he found out when he checked his text messages after a screening Tuesday night – was “surprising.”

So, pressed Ripa, are you going?

“If I read the papers, I am,” he said. “But this is my home,” he added, assuring her that when the GMA gig kicks in, he will still costar with her on the 9 a.m. show.

She then told him just to let her know how much coffee he will need by the time he gets to their studio.

“He’s not being brought in to replace Josh [Elliott, whose departure was announced Sunday],” the ABC source told PEOPLE. “He’s not taking anyone’s spot.”

Instead, GMA is hoping to add Strahan to the morning show, while still allowing him to fulfill his Live with Kelly and Michael co-hosting duties with Ripa. Details are being worked out, a source tells PEOPLE, but it is expected he would appear in segments between 7 and 8:15 a.m.