Former ESPN commentator Max Kellerman revealed in a recent appearance on The Bill Simmons Podcast that he was once considered to replace Chris “Mad Dog” Russo at WFAN and co-host alongside Mike Francesa, a move that ultimately never materialized.
Following Russo’s exit from WFAN in August of 2008, Kellerman said he was reached out to fill the void on WFAN’s afternoon drive. Kellerman was currently working for ESPN Radio alongside Brian Kenny, but left the network in March of 2009.
“Yeah, that was the plan. I was supposed to go over and work with Mike,” Kellerman said, recalling discussions from that timeframe about joining the iconic New York sports radio station.
At the time, WFAN was looking to revamp its lineup following Russo’s departure. Kellerman, already known for his incisive sports analysis, appeared to be a natural fit for the position.
Kellerman provided insight into why he felt the collaboration with Francesa never came to fruition.
“My analysis is I think he realized at a certain point they’re [WFAN] not going to make me take a partner. Why should I take a partner? Because I’m beating the hell out of the guys across town by myself. I think when he thought they’re gonna make me take a partner, then it was like, okay. Well, I’d like it to be with that guy [Kellerman]. And then it was like, I don’t need a partner.”
Kellerman’s remarks suggest that Francesa, at the peak of his popularity, may have seen little incentive to adjust his successful solo formula. For Kellerman, the opportunity would have been a significant shift from television to national radio to local radio.
At ESPN, he had already built a reputation as a sharp and sometimes provocative commentator. Moving to WFAN would have meant stepping into a legacy brand with entrenched listenership and a different style of engagement.
Kellerman eventually did return to sports radio. He took over the midday timeslot in December of 2010 at ESPN Radio in Los Angeles with Marcellus Wiley.
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