When word broke that Mike Tirico would be leaving ESPN to take a job at NBC, it was reported that Sean McDonough was the likely choice to take over Tirico’s play-by-play duties on Monday Night Football.
ESPN confirmed Monday that McDonough will be joining Jon Gruden in the booth for the 2016 season. McDonough has done NFL games on ESPN radio in recent years and grew up around the game as the son of longtime Boston Globe writer Will McDonough, who he referenced in a statement about his new job.
“This is a dream come true,” McDonough said. “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.”
McDonough, whose brother Terry is the Cardinals’ vice president of player personnel, is the fifth play-by-play man in the history of the Monday Night Football franchise. He joins Tirico, Keith Jackson, Frank Gifford and Al Michaels in that group.
McDonough’s new job is one of many changes expected in ESPN’s coverage of the NFL this year. Randy Moss, Charles Woodson and Matt Hasselbeck are all expected to have roles while Cris Carter, Ray Lewis, Trent Dilfer and others are reportedly on their way out.
