Odds and Sods

ESPN has announced that Mike Tirico will fill the afternoon radio time slot left vacant by Dan Patrick.  Beginning Thursday, “The Mike Tirico Show” will air weekdays from 1-3, followed by Steven A. Smith from 3-4.  Tirico will co-host the show “on a regular basis” with other ESPN personalities, though specifics have not been announced.

Tirico, who lives in Ann Arbor, began with ESPN in 1991 as a Sportscenter anchor, and was an original member of ESPN radio when it debuted in 1992.  He has served the network in a host of capacities, including Thursday Night College Football Play by Play (1997-2005), College Basketball play by play (1997-present), NBA coverage (2002-present), and host of Monday Night Countdown (1993-2001).  He has also worked for ABC’s PGA coverage (1996-2006) and as studio host for ABC’s NBA telecasts (2002-2006).  Most famously, he is currently does play by play for ESPN’s Monday Night Football.

Mike has previously been one of ESPN’s busiest and most traveled analysts, often spending more than 200 days a year on the road.  No announcement has been made as to how hosting the radio show will affect his other duties with the network.

Tirico was one of many candidates rumored for the job, including fellow ESPN colleagues Colin “Schrutebag” Cowherd and Scott Van Pelt.