Allen Coleman, better known as “Big Al,” has announced that he will retire from his two-hour morning show on Richmond’s ESPN 106.1 on Wednesday, February 26. Coleman, speaking with The Richmonder, stated that he informed station management of his decision months ago after over 33 years of broadcasting.
“It’s time for me to move on… plain and simple,” Coleman told Jerry Lindquist of the local online publication. “Why? Because I want to retire. I’ll be 70 in March. It’s time to let the young guys take over.”
Coleman has been a longtime voice for the Richmond sports fan. He originally began his career in January of 1992 as a stockbroker who brokered his own time on WRNL, eventually growing his program to air five mornings a week within the first 13 months of its existence.
Over time, he spent additional years at the former ESPN 950 in Richmond before joining ESPN 106.1 in 2018, where he served not only as a weekday host but also as a salesman.
The sports radio veteran mentioned that his interest in sports has started to “wane a little bit” in recent years. He explained that the sports landscape is very different today compared to when he first began his broadcasting career.
“It’s all about the money now,” Coleman said. “College football and basketball are off the rails. They have more freedom to come and go… piggly wiggly, willy nilly… than pro players do. My interest in college football was actually growing. Now, players and teams are being bought. People come and go. How do you follow a team when it’s ‘here today, gone tomorrow?’”
As for Coleman’s plans moving forward, he revealed that a podcast is in the works to stay connected with his longtime sports radio following.
Barrett Media produces daily content on the music, news, and sports media industries. To stay updated, sign up for our newsletters and get the latest information delivered straight to your inbox.
