This Friday will be the last time that Mike Golic will sign off on ESPN Radio after being part of the network’s morning show for over 20 years. This week, he joined Sarah Spain this week on the That’s What She Said podcast.
Spain started by asking the question whether or not it will be easier for Golic to say goodbye this time after doing it when Mike & Mike ended.
“I wouldn’t say it is easier because both times, it wasn’t my choice. I might have been caught off guard on both of them in all honesty. I didn’t think Mike & Mike should have ended and I didn’t think this should have ended,” said Golic. “While I say I wanted to keep going, I compared it to being cut by the Houston Oilers and Miami Dolphins, I don’t think it was the right move, but there’s nothing I can do about it.”
Golic explained why he is going back to do college football if/when a season resumes as an analyst:
“I actually told the bosses I said, ‘let me go back and do college football.’ I hope there’s a college football season, If there is, I will call college games. I’m still going to be around. I’m still going to be in the business…nothing is off the table.”
Golic knows that many want to know the full story of why he won’t be on ESPN Radio in the mornings, but wasn’t ready to offer an explanation.
“I am always a say it to your face guy…. I have never been a locker room talking guy. Someday I will tell the full story of everything, but now is not the time…As far as any story behind it or why, that is something they [management] have to explain, not me. But I will say my peace in that it is the wrong move, but that doesn’t mean I won’t wish the next hosts all the best in the world.”
Golic did reveal that there would be 2 guests on the show on Friday that he wanted to talk with on the final show, but he would not reveal who those guests were, which will make for some interesting guesses. He did reveal some of his favorite guests such as Charles Barkley, Bill Curry, Mark Schlereth, and Darius Rucker to name a few.
“His wisdom is unbelievable and he has that soft delivery that we would probably get the most response from listeners and viewers when he was on because they just stopped and listened because he was so smart,” said Golic of Curry.
Golic also mentioned some of his favorite segments, including Just Shut Up on Fridays, saying that the production for that segment was fantastic and that it “resonated the most with a lot of people.” Plus, he said he has never overslept and missed a portion of a show, so that in itself is an accomplishment.
At the end of the show, Golic left some advice for the new morning hosts (Keyshawn Johnson, Jay Williams, Zubin Mehenti) when their show starts August 17:
“The biggest piece of advice I can give to any radio host is let people know who you are. Let them know you, let them in. Let them know about your family. Become kind of friends with them. Don’t be afraid to put yourself out there.”
During this podcast, you will get a little bit of a walk down memory lane with Golic and the next 36 hours or so are going to be emotional for people that grew up listening to him on the radio.
Being a fellow Clevelander but moved to Texas I have known of the Golic family since High School years in the mid to late 70’s. From stories about the Golics at St. Ignacious as football players and wrestlers. A renewed listener once hired on ESPN, I have thoroughly enjoyed Mike and his family stories. ESPN is losing an extreme gem. A pro! I think that this move is not good and based on . what I see, there will be more changes when ratings drop for ESPN. Mike is resilient ESPN’s loss will be another networks (possibly aka FOX) gain. I will follow Mike. Good Luck to you Mike. I really appreciated your insight and entertainment listening over all these years. Loved you on Mike and Mike and Golic and Wingo. Both gigs although different worked really well with your partners. Adding Mike Golic Jr. or Jason Fitz added to your show always added a great and amusing plus.