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UPDATE August 10: The Big Ten is reportedly shutting down fall football, with other conferences potentially following. ESPN has reportedly decided on Steve Levy, Brian Griese, and Louis Riddick as part of the Monday Night Football team. The New York Post is reporting ESPN plans on sticking with the trio even if college football is canceled, but might use Chris Fowler and Kirk Herbstreit for some potential Saturday broadcasts if the NFL adjusts its schedule.
Monday Night Football has had a few swings and misses of late when it comes to their announcer booth. They are considering a short list of in-house and external candidates, but if college football is delayed, they are considering a twist. The network will likely turn to Chris Fowler and Kirk Herbstreit if the college football season is delayed or cancelled, according to Front Office Sports.
This news is nowhere near definitive. The college football season, like all of sports, is on shaky ground at the moment, which has slowed down ESPN’s hiring of announcers and analysts. Herbstreit and Fowler would be a safe selection, but there is a real chance they won’t be available. If not, Front Office Sports and others report that the short list of candidates includes Louis Riddick, Dan Orlovsky, Pat McAfee, Steve Levy, Dave Pasch, and Brian Griese.
The list of possibilities all sound like an upgrade over Booger McFarland and Jason Witten, but it is unfortunate for ESPN that they couldn’t lure Tony Romo away from CBS. He would have been a strong addition to what has become a lackluster announcing experience recently.