Mike Tirico will replace Al Michaels on four of NBC’s upcoming NFL games. In other news, ESPN analyst Butch Davis has left the network, and ESPN has hired a new investigative reporter.
Tirico to Fill in For Michaels on NFL
- Football Night in America host Mike Tirico will fill in for Al Michaels on four upcoming NFL games, NBC Sports announced Wednesday. Tirico will call the next two Sunday Night Football games and next week’s Thanksgiving special, giving Michaels two weeks off between games, and will also work Thursday Night Football the week of Christmas. Those are in addition to his previously scheduled assignments calling TNF specials December 17 and Christmas Day. As is well known, NBC initially planned to use Tirico as its lead Thursday night voice, but the NFL vetoed the move. (NBC Sports Group Press Box 11/16)
Butch Davis Leaving ESPN For FIU
- ESPN college football analyst Butch Davis has left the network effective immediately to become head football coach at Florida International University. Davis had been with ESPN since 2014, working on ESPN2’s studio team. (ESPN.com)
ESPN Hires Investigative Reporter
- ESPN has hired Tisha Thomspon, an investigative reporter for Washington D.C. NBC affiliate WRC, to serve in the same capacity on Outside the Lines. Thompson will make her debut on January 2. ESPN previously poached Lindsay Czarniak and Dianna Russini from WRC. (ESPN Media Zone 11/14)
