Mike Golic Jr. is excited to be returning to ESPN Radio. He’ll do it alongside his father, Mike Golic Sr., starting next month. The reunion is one that Golic Jr. says has invigorated his father to return to a place where he helped build a legacy.
What We Know: ESPN announced that Mike Golic Sr. and Mike Golic Jr. will co-host a new weekday morning show, The Golics. The program debuts Monday, August 3, airing 10 a.m. to noon ET. Golic Sr. spent 25 years at ESPN before departing in 2020, while Golic Jr. previously worked there from 2015 to 2022. Both are returning under a new multi-year agreement, following stops at DraftKings and FanDuel Sports Network. Golic Jr. discussed the upcoming return to ESPN Radio as an opportunity to go back to something familiar.
What They Said: (All quotes via The Audible with Stew, Bruce, & Ralph podcast)
Mike Golic Jr on how much a return to ESPN Radio was important for his father Mike Golic: “He’s got a legacy there already. He’s left an indelible mark on sports radio, sports media. I knew that impact was going to be big. But I think he was really excited and invigorated about the opportunity and about the chance to go back to something that feels familiar and something that he knows so well with a lot of people that we trust and still care about.”
Mike Golic Jr on how his father didn’t harbor any negative feelings towards ESPN Radio: “The good news with my dad is he’s never [held] grudges, or drama. He doesn’t the hold things back. He’s an old school face to face guy. If he has a problem with someone, he’s going to address it straight up there and now, and not let it linger. There weren’t a lot of bad feelings that had to be parsed through going back here [ESPN]. There wasn’t a lot of that because I think he’s always handled his business the right way. I think he’s always prided himself on doing that. It’s allowed these conversations now going back to be really fun.”
Mike Golic Jr is thankful for another shot to work alongside his father at ESPN Radio: “I got the ESPN as a 26 year old. Understandably the nepotism conversation, and all that stuff. I didn’t know what I didn’t know. I walked in with a good attitude, wanted to work hard and make the most of it. A decade later, professionally I think I have a deeper appreciation for all that. But then, just personally, as a 37-year-old who now has been handed two hours a day I get to spend with my dad. At a time where life gets busy, everyone naturally kind of grows and expands as families. From that standpoint, I think, [it’s] more powerful than I recognize.”
What Remains Unclear: ESPN hasn’t detailed how scheduling conflicts might affect the show long-term. Golic Jr. still serves as TNT Sports’ lead game analyst for Big 12 football. Consequently, questions remain about how he’ll juggle both roles once the season begins. Additionally, ESPN hasn’t confirmed whether either Golic will make regular TV appearances beyond radio.
What It Means: Ultimately, the reunion brings back one of sports media’s most recognizable father-son pairings. For ESPN, it signals renewed investment in weekday radio following recent lineup shifts. For the Golics, meanwhile, it marks a rare professional second act built on family. Therefore, how the show performs early will likely shape ESPN’s approach to future radio partnerships.
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John Mamola is Barrett Media’s sports editor and daily sports columnist. He brings over two decades of experience (Chicago, Tampa/St Petersburg) in the broadcast industry with expertise in brand management, sales, promotions, producing, imaging, hosting, talent coaching, talent development, web development, social media strategy and design, video production, creative writing, partnership building, communication/networking with a long track record of growth and success. He is a five-time recognized top 20 program director in a major market via Barrett Medi’s Top 20 series and has been honored internally multiple times as station/brand of the year (Tampa, FL) and employee of the month (Tampa, FL) by iHeartMedia. Connect with John by email at John@BarrettMedia.com.