ESPN has reversed course and brought back Keyshawn Johnson. In other news, NBC’s Mike Tirico has another new gig, and NBC has added Dhani Jones to its Notre Dame coverage.
ESPN Brings Back Keyshawn Johnson
- ESPN announced Friday that it has re-hired former Sunday NFL Countdown analyst Keyshawn Johnson under a multi-year contract. Starting Tuesday, Johnson will serve as an NFL analyst based out of the network’s Los Angeles studios, making regular appearances on SportsCenter and even contributing features to his old Countdown show. His new contract also includes a daily role on an L.A. radio station owned by ESPN. Johnson’s return is an about face for ESPN, which according to multiple reports, decided not to pick up his contract earlier in the year. (ESPN Media Zone)
Tirico Gets Ryder Cup Hosting Gig
- NBC Sports broadcaster Mike Tirico will host coverage of the Ryder Cup on Golf Channel and NBC later this month, the second major golf event he has hosted for the NBC family of networks since his hiring earlier this year. The tournament is part of a busy month for Tirico, who despite missing out on Thursday Night Football will call three Notre Dame football games and host NBC’s Football Night in America. (NBC Sports Group Press Box)
NBC Names Jones Notre Dame Studio Analyst
- Former NFL LB and NBC Sports contributor Dhani Jones has been named the lead studio analyst for Notre Dame football on NBC, replacing ESPN-bound Jonathan Vilma. Jones, who hosts the NBC reality show Spartan: Ultimate Team Challenge and contributed to the network’s coverage of the Summer Olympics, will work alongside Liam McHugh. (NBC Sports Group Press Box)
