Sean McDonough replacing Mike Tirico as play-by-play announcer on Monday Night Footballplay8:46 AM ETESPN.com news services
Mike-Tirico-Jon-Gruden-MNF-418x270 by anti java, on FlickrSean McDonough was named by ESPN as the new play-by-play voice for Monday Night Football, replacing Mike Tirico, who called the past 10 seasons for ESPN but will leave the network for NBC Sports this summer.McDonough will work with analyst Jon Gruden and reporter Lisa Salters. He will debut at the Pro Football Hall of Fame Game on Aug. 7."This is a dream come true," McDonough said in a statement. "One of my favorite memories of my childhood was watching Monday Night Football with my Dad, who I know is smiling down on me today. I am humbled and deeply honored to have the opportunity to be a part of the most iconic franchise in the history of sports television."Tirico had been with ESPN since 1991. He will remain with the network through the end of June before joining NBC Sports.Sean McDonough is the fifth person to hold the play-by-play position in the 46-year history of Monday Night Football. McDonough recently signed an extension with the network, according to ESPN. He has called NFL games on ESPN Radio since 2013, and he has been a top play-by-play commentator on Saturday afternoon ABC college football games and ESPN's Monday ACC basketball games. McDonough has also done play-by-play for ESPN on MLB, NHL, tennis, golf and the College World Series.As part of his deal, McDonough will continue working college basketball games when the NFL season ends.McDonough, who has been with ESPN since 2000 and is in his second stint with the network, is the fifth person to hold the play-by-play position in the 46-year history of Monday Night Football.Comments....Pat LongGruden has never met a player that wasn't the best he's ever seen and never saw a play that wasn't the best he's ever see. MNF is a joke.Like · Reply · 7 · 19 hrsAndy Seibel"the handoff goes to player x, who drove a dodge dart in high school while commuting to his part time job at the car wash"Good riddance to the know-it-all, stupid fact regurgitating Tirico. At least Gruden is entertaining. I long for the days of John madden and Pat Summerall. John Madden and Pat SummerallLike · Reply · 3 · 1 hrKeith Hinkley · Redondo Beach, CaliforniaWho is the moron that let Mike Tirico just up and leave? I have no idea what ESPN even is other than completely ruined at this stage of the game...ESPN is just not the same anymore.....definitely not the leader. Disney has ruined itLike · Reply · 2 · 3 hrsBrian KeefeDisney made it dude.Like · Reply · 1 hrJT Spillman · Management at ChaseI would have gone with Joe Tessitoire personally but Sean Mac is pretty good too. ESPN also lost Brad Nessler to CBS and he'll take over for Verne soon.Either way I'm glad Tirico's snobby self is gone. Dudes act is so played out now lets get rid of Chucky or at least add a 3rd person to slap Gruden in the face everytime he says something outlandish.Like · Reply · 1 · 18 hrsKeith Hinkley · Redondo Beach, CaliforniaESPN is a joke..thanks Disney you have crammed garbage down our throat and ruined sports for the fan. Honestly, politically correct is fine but i think a softball player breaking it down for us on a live baseball telecast is just so unnecessary....you are telling me she is going to give me more insight than an ex MLB player? give me a break..thats not sexist, thats just real. Then we get kara lawson and another girl to break down the nba playoff games....channel turn immediately..i repect the effort but who is making decisions over there? they are a complete idiot and in way over their head..if i wanted that i would go to my wives book club and start a sports conversation and see how that went....thanks espn, i'm done..give me the best possible person to break it down for s not some pc BS to make yourself look cutting edge..what a joke