ESPN is set to begin a new 10-year contract with the NFL, and as the network begins preparations for the 2023 season, it has announced new roles for directors and producers inside the company.
Director Derek Mobley will take over as the Monday Night Football director, and will also direct one of ESPN’s Saturday doubleheader broadcasts in Week 18, as well as the network’s playoff coverage.
Mobley has previously been the director of ESPN’s Saturday Night Football package, in addition to directing the College Football National Championship Game and the Rose Bowl for the past 15 years. He has also directed ESPN’s coverage of Wimbledon for 19 years and the U.S. Open for 15 years.
He will be joined by new Monday Night Football producer Steve Ackels. It is a reunion of sorts for the pair, as Ackles and Mobley worked together on ESPN’s college football coverage for more than a decade.
“As we usher in the newest era of NFL and college football on ESPN, consisting of several marquee games each week, we are well-established with a talented, innovative and deep production staff,” ESPN Head of Studio and Event Production Stephanie Druley said. “In evaluating our entire portfolio, we have many of our accomplished and respected leaders in new areas which best positions us for years to come.”
The changes also mean a new producer and director will captain ESPN’s college football coverage. 20-year veteran Jimmy Platt will now direct the College Football Playoff, the Rose Bowl, and ABC’s Saturday Night Football as the network prepares to welcome the SEC.
Veteran producer Phil Dean will now produce a College Football Playoff semifinals, and join ESPN’s primetime college football package.
