ESPN could move one of its Sunday NFL Countdown analysts to college football games. Also: Ron Darling has returned to the broadcast booth; former ESPN ombudswoman Le Anne Schreiber has passed; Monday Night Football has a new director.
Hasselbeck could move to college games
The Big Lead reported Wednesday that ESPN is considering moving Sunday NFL Countdown analyst Matt Hasselbeck to college football coverage as a game analyst. Hasselbeck called the 2018 Pro Bowl but has otherwise stayed in the studio during his three-year tenure with the network.
According to the same report, ESPN is also considering moving second-year analyst Dan Orlovsky up the depth chart to replace Brock Huard on college football games. The New York Post reported this year that Huard is leaving ESPN for Fox. [The Big Lead 6.4]
Darling back on the air
New York Mets and TBS Major League Baseball analyst Ron Darling returned to the broadcast booth on Tuesday after missing more than a month due to thyroid cancer. Darling, who had been off the air since April 13, said Monday that his cancer has “stabilized for now” and he will continue to be closely monitored for the next several months. [Ron Darling/Twitter 6.3; Newsday 6.5]
Fmr. ESPN ombudswoman Schrieber passes away
Former ESPN ombudswoman Le Anne Schrieber, who served as editor of The New York Times sports section from 1978-80, died last week at age 73. Schreiber was the second ESPN ombudsperson, following George Solomon in the role from 2007-09. [NYT 6.4]
MNF gets new director
ESPN announced Monday that college football director Jimmy Platt will assume the same role on Monday Night Football starting this season. Platt, who has also directed basketball, baseball, and other assorted events, replaces longtime MNF director Chip Dean. He has been with ESPN since 2010. [ESPN Front Row 6.3]
