ESPN’s Monday Night Football will kick off its 38th season with a lineup change as longtime NFL analyst Ron Jaworski takes the place of former Redskins quarterback Joe Theismann.
The rest of the MNF crew will remain the same with Mike Tirico and Tony Kornheiser in the booth, and Suzy Kolber and Michele Tafoya reporting from the field.
Jaworski’s passion for football and his knowledge of all things NFL have made him a fan favorite on ESPN’s Sunday NFL Countdown and other studio shows. Jaworski, who played quarterback in the NFL for 17 seasons, has been with ESPN since 1990.
Jaworski has had working relationships with all the on-air MNF crew and believes his several appearances on PTI showed his good chemistry with Kornheiser.
The lack of chemistry between Kornheiser and Theismann was an issue in an otherwise successful season.
The move will give both Jaworski and Kornheiser a chance to shine and was a collective decision on the MNF brain trust of Norby Williamson, John Skipper and Jay Rothman.
“This new lineup will enhance our presentation of Monday Night Football, our most important property,” said Norby Williamson, executive vice president, studio and remote production, ESPN. “Ron has covered the NFL from many different perspectives, and he is totally tied into the issues and trends from around the league.”
Jaworski believes another reason he is able to handle the MNF booth is his ability to get across to both hard-core and casual football fans.
“I like to talk football and I don’t act in any way shape or form that I’m an expert, but I hope people think I am,” Jaworski said.
Jaworski has not yet spoken to Theismann, but hopes to soon. According to Jaworski, they’ve been friends for over 30 years and believes they will remain that way.
It is unclear what Theismann’s new role would be at ESPN, but it is clear that he will have a prominent studio job and is expected to stay with the network.
“[Theismann] did all we could ask and more. It was a tough call,” said Williamson, “Joe will always have a home at ESPN.”
In the end it came down to likability. Jaws is more likable than Theismann. Now, more than ever, the E stands for entertainment at ESPN.
Jim Williams is a seven-time Emmy Award-winning TV producer, director and writer.
