Brad Nessler today said that his schedule as an ESPN college football announcer will not change despite NFL Network hiring him as the new play-by-play voice for its "Thursday Night Football" telecasts. Nessler addressed the subject during a media conference call that included NFL Network Senior VP/Programming & Production Mark Quenzel and new "TNF" booth analyst Mike Mayock. Nessler: "It's not going to change any. It's going to be very hectic for about a five-week stretch." Matt Millen kept a similar schedule last season as a "TNF" booth analyst and color commentator for ESPN's Saturday college football telecasts.
When asked whether the net considered another three-man booth to replace Bob Papa, Joe Theismann and Millen, Quenzel said, "It can work either way. I prefer a two-man booth. I think the dynamic we have between Brad and Mike lends itself to a two-man booth." Quenzel said the net looked at "a number of people" other than Nessler for the play-by-play job, but would not disclose any names. Quenzel also labeled Mayock a "rising star in sports broadcasting." Mayock: "If you had told me months ago that I'd be calling Notre Dame games on NBC, followed by an NFL playoff game on NBC, followed by the NFL Network offering me this package, I would probably inquire as to your hallucinogenic of choice."
