With Jon Gruden’s move back to the NFL sideline, ESPN was already facing a high-profile talent search to occupy the now-former analyst’s spot in the Monday Night Football broadcast booth. Then, on Friday evening, things got even more challenging for the network, as word broke from various outlets that play-by-play man Sean McDonough will be transitioning back to a role in the college football realm.
Sports Illustrated can report that Sean McDonough has mutually agreed to return to college football for ESPN later this year. He will no longer call Monday Night Football.
— Richard Deitsch (@richarddeitsch) March 10, 2018
Sean McDonough is out at MNF, sources told The Post
— Andrew Marchand (@AndrewMarchand) March 10, 2018
McDonough previously occupied a position that included college football work, and even during his stint on the network’s most-viewed broadcast, he has been working in college basketball. At this early juncture, reports are already emerge about what his new slate will consist of, including time on The Masters.
Sean McDonough's new assignments include: CFB games weekly, as well as a College Football Playoff Semifinal. He will call the CFP National Championship on ESPN Radio, marquee college basketball, The Masters Par 3 contest, and more.
— Richard Deitsch (@richarddeitsch) March 10, 2018
As for the Monday Night Football search, names like Peyton Manning have surfaced as potential analyst replacements, but being forced to come up with an entirely different booth is a significant task. It should be noted that ESPN could have an idea ready to be executed, though, and at least one report indicates that Joe Tessitore will be McDonough’s replacement.
Joe Tessitore is the new MNF play-by-player.
— Andrew Marchand (@AndrewMarchand) March 10, 2018
ESPN’s only NFL broadcast will sound a lot different for the upcoming season, and in one fell swoop, its college football coverage is strengthened with a top-flight play-by-play voice.
