ESPN is reportedly closing in on its NFL Network broadcast teams. Dave Pasch and Bob Wischusen are set to anchor the play-by-play chairs with Kurt Warner and Louis Riddick as analysts according to a report by Front Office Sports.
What We Know: Pasch is reportedly pairing with Warner, while Wischusen partners with Louis Riddick. Wischusen and Riddick return together for a third straight season. The two called college football together previously. Molly McGrath is also pivoting from college football to become NFL Network’s lead sideline reporter. She’ll also serve as the top fill-in host for Laura Rutledge on NFL Live. The five-game international slate runs London (October 4, 11, 18), Saint-Denis (October 25), and Madrid (November 8). NFL Network also has a Week 16 doubleheader on December 26.
What’s At Stake: With ESPN overseeing the NFL Network, the announcement is just the latest in using separate network talent together. The report would effectively move Rich Eisen off calling game for the NFL Network. Eisen told SI earlier this year that he feels he’s done doing play by play of live games. Eisen started calling NFL Network’s international slate in 2018.
What Remains Unclear: ESPN has not commented on the reporting by Front Office Sports. NFL Network has yet to announce its broadcast teams for upcoming games. If ESPN will use Eisen in another capacity is also unknown.
What It Means: The pairings favor continuity over experimentation. Pasch’s history with Warner from his Cardinals radio days, plus Wischusen and Riddick’s existing rapport, suggest chemistry drove the decisions. The loss of Eisen on the commentary will be a new twist of fans of international broadcasts. However, with proven talent and chemistry abound, the transition should make for a smooth one for fans.
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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.