Report: Multiple companies pursuing Al Michaels for NFL broadcasting role

Sports media giant ESPN is contemplating a move to add NBC Sports broadcaster Al Michaels – who is currently in talks with Amazon – in a Monday Night Football role, according to the New York Post. The Sunday Night Football play-by-play legend has spent the past 17 years with NBC and could become a free agent this year.

Al Michaels previously spent 30 years with ABC Sports, now part of ESPN’s coverage, working as a play-by-play broadcaster in the MLB, NFL and other sports including the Olympics. He served as the Monday Night Football commentator from 1986-2006 before his NBC move. He former Monday Night Football successor Mike Tirico is also set to fill his shoes on Sunday Night Football with color commentator Cris Collingsworth set to stay on.

Amazon’s interest comes as the streaming service takes full control of the NFL’s Thursday Night Football slate. While the New York Post reports the negotiations between these two sides have reached “deep” status, there are still questions about which color commentator the company can bring with Michaels to the new platform. One name mentioned in the report is Fox color commentator and former Dallas Cowboys quarterback Troy Aikman. The long-time partner of Joe Buck has the ability to opt out of his contract this year and join Michaels if he chooses.

Other options named include recently retired New Orleans Saints head coach Sean Payton or potential retirees Tom Brady or Aaron Rodgers. Perhaps the most intriguing name brought up by the New York Post is 36-year old Los Angeles Rams head coach Sean McVay, who would have to walk away from coaching after just five seasons.

ESPN broadcast structure

The reason for ESPN’s renewed interest in Al Michaels and other football broadcasters centers on its increased role under the latest television deal. By 2023, ESPN and ABC will add six additional games to its slate, including four double-header which will require a second team of broadcasters in the booth.

While the New York Post indicates that ESPN is happy with its current team of Steve Levy, Brian Griese and Louis Riddick, the increase in games will require more. The success of the Manningcast with Peyton and Eli Manning will also play a role in their decision-making process.

After several years of a revolving door inside ESPN’s Monday Night Football booth, Griese’s contract is also up as a color commentator and the company must decide how or if it wants to use college football broadcasters Chris Fowler and Kirk Herbstreit in its long-term NFL plans.