ESPN execs are "exploring moving" the net's Mike Greenberg "into a new role as the lead host" of a TV show that would air between 6:00-10:00am ET on ESPN, according to Richard Deitsch of SI.com. The new show would "potentially have elements of 'SportsCenter' -- which currently airs at that time -- as well as a traditional morning show." Such a move would put an end to Greenberg's "on-air partnership with Mike Golic, which began" in October '98. "Mike & Mike" currently airs weekdays on ESPN Radio from 6:00-10:00am and is simulcast on ESPN2. No decision is final yet, as ESPN management has been "discussing different scenarios to reengineer its morning 'SportsCenter.'" The current early morning "SportsCenter" group has "faced significant ratings challenges this year." Some in management "would postulate that a Greenberg-fronted show could draw more than a current 'SportsCenter' if it moved from ESPN2 to ESPN." If such a show "comes to fruition, expect opinion-oriented talent to join him." If ESPN does break up Greenberg and Golic, it would have a "large hole to fill on the audio side given the 'Mike & Mike' show has been a revenue-driver for the division for a decade-plus." It is also the "signature show for ESPN in many radio markets across the country." Some at ESPN have assumed that Golic would "join his son Mike Jr. (who also works for ESPN Radio) in some sort of Golic & Golic show" (SI.com, 9/28).
STAYING PUT: ESPN announced yesterday that Kevin Negandhi reached a new, multiyear agreement with the net. Negandhi, who joined ESPN in '06, has been part of the 7:00am edition of "SportsCenter" since it launched in February of this year. Negandhi is the first Indian-American to anchor on a national sports network. He is repped by WME's Jim Ornstein (THE DAILY).
