ESPN yesterday made it official that Sean McDonough will replace Mike Tirico -- who is leaving for NBC -- as the play-by-play voice for “MNF” this season. ESPN Exec VP/Programming & Production John Wildhack called McDonough an “exceptional talent” and said he “was at the top of a very short list” for the position. McDonough said the new career opportunity is “remarkable” and added he “always wanted to be a signature voice of a franchise” like “MNF.” Wildhack said no one else was offered the position (Thomas Leary, Staff Writer). In Boston, Chad Finn writes McDonough is "one of the most versatile and accomplished broadcasters of his generation." He was the "voice of CBS’s World Series broadcasts" in the early '90s, and has also "called the Final Four and the Olympics." In recent years, he had been "most prominent on ESPN’s college football and basketball broadcasts, as well [as] its weekday baseball broadcasts" (BOSTON GLOBE, 5/10). In Syracuse, Brent Axe noted McDonough "will be the fifth person, joining Keith Jackson, Frank Gifford, Al Michaels and Mike Tirico, to occupy the play-by-play position in the 46-year history of 'MNF.'" Tirico "did not want to comment directly on McDonough taking over 'MNF.'" But he said, "Sean is one of my closest friends and any chair that Sean McDonough sits in is in great hands" (Syracuse POST-STANDARD, 5/10). McDonough referenced his late father, Will, during his conference call yesterday, saying, “It’s a dream of a lifetime, especially growing up in my house, with my dad." In N.Y., Richard Sandomir notes the younger McDonough wondered if an assignment similar to calling MLB as the sport's lead network voice in the early '90s "would come his way again." McDonough: “I wasn’t sure I was willing to stay if they felt I wasn’t capable of being a signature voice on a property of this type" (N.Y. TIMES, 5/10).
PAYING HIS DUES: In Boston, Chris Mason writes McDonough "has a greater appreciation for the job" now that he is "back in the spotlight." McDonough: "What I’ve learned through the years is to never take anything for granted. Even though I had an opportunity at a young age, there’s no guarantee that they’re going to keep coming your way, and I’m living proof of that" (BOSTON HERALD, 5/10). SI.com's Richard Deitsch wrote "MNF" actually "has a chance to improve with the talent change." McDonough, Dan Shulman and Mike Breen "are ESPN’s best play-by-play announcers regardless of sport." The NFL viewing public "is soon going to realize what Big Ten football, major college basketball, and Boston Red Sox viewers already know: McDonough is an exceptional and prepared game caller with a big voice and a flare for terrific calls at the most dramatic moments of a game." This move "will be one of the most seamless talent transitions in ESPN history" (SI.com, 5/9). In San Antonio, Tim Griffin writes McDonough "should thrive" on "MNF" (SAN ANTONIO EXPRESS-NEWS, 5/10).
PROUD AS A PEACOCK: NBC officially introduced Tirico yesterday, saying he will join the net on July 1 and be a significant part of its coverage of the Rio Games. Tirico graciously thanked ESPN and specifically President John Skipper, saying the net “gave me a great farewell.” Tirico cited a lifelong desire to cover the Olympics as part of his decision to leave ESPN for NBC. He said he would have stayed at ESPN for the duration of his career, but the NBC opportunity was “impossible to turn away” (Leary). Tirico today said while some details still are uncertain, he will be involved on NBC's Thursday and Sunday night NFL packages in addition to Rio, as well as "some golf events, and that was big for me." He said of ESPN, "They made a really wonderful offer, and it was not about the money." Tirico: "I am going to be 50 this year. I’ve been at ESPN for more than half my life, and it was awesome. … I just wanted to take another chance to write a different chapter, and if it was not a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity, I would be back at ESPN." He added, "There was no angry words, no acrimony. ... The place has been unbelievable and lifelong friends and great experiences. I have nothing bad to say. I am not running away from ESPN. ... This is just an opportunity to do different things I have never had the chance to do” ("The Dan Patrick Show," 5/10). NBC Sports Exec Producer Sam Flood "would not specify" what role Tirico will have at Rio. SI's Deitsch noted the net likely will "name him as a host of a day part or as part of its golf coverage" (SI.com, 5/9).
A NEW MIKE: In N.Y., Bob Raissman notes while Tirico "will be a big part" of NBC's current coverage plans, he "will be an even bigger part of its future." He is "clearly in line to succeed" Al Michaels as the voice of "SNF" and Bob Costas "as the primary Olympic host" (N.Y. DAILY NEWS, 5/10). On Long Island, Neil Best notes Tirico "will have to give up some assignments, notably the NBA, to which NBC does not have rights." But he acknowledged that NBC’s NFL package “is a big deal" (NEWSDAY, 5/10). ESPN's Mike Greenberg said, “There is no one in the industry I respect more than Mike because no one prepares harder, no one works harder, no one is smarter and no one is less concerned with making himself the issue than Tirico is. He’s the best. … He is the ultimate pro” (“Mike & Mike,” ESPN Radio, 5/10).
