Joe Tessitore to replace Sean McDonough as 'Monday Night Football' play-by-play man
“Monday Night Football” will have a new look and sound in 2018, as Joe Tessitore will be the new play-by-play man, according to the New York Post’s Andrew Marchand. He’ll replace Sean McDonough, who is returning to college football for the ABC/ESPN network, per Sports Illustrated’s Richard Deitsch.
Tessitore has been with ABC/ESPN since 2002 and has filled many roles for the network, including horse racing, boxing, college basketball and college football as well as various special events. Among his most iconic calls have been Texas’ double-overtime thriller over Notre Dame in 2016 and Robert Griffin III’s last-second touchdown to stun Oklahoma in 2011.
McDonough debuted on “MNF” in 2016 and spent the past two seasons alongside color analyst Jon Gruden, who returned to coaching following the 2017 regular season, signing a record-setting deal with the Oakland Raiders in January. ESPN has not appointed a new color analyst yet.
McDonough has been broadcasting with ABC/ESPN since 2000 and has had many memorable calls for the network in the years since, not the least of which was his voice-cracking call of Michigan State’s fumble return touchdown to stun Michigan in 2015.
According to Deitsch, McDonough will be a very busy man in his new position, broadcasting both college football and basketball. He will be on the call for the college football playoff semifinals and final for ESPN Radio, among other assignments.
