ESPN is gearing up for a major shake-up of its secondary Monday Night Football booth, and a familiar face appears to be leading the race. According to The Athletic’s Andrew Marchand, veteran broadcaster Dave Pasch has emerged as the frontrunner to take over play-by-play duties for the network’s No. 2 NFL broadcast team.
Pasch, who has been with ESPN since 2003, is best known for his work on NBA, college basketball, and college football coverage. But he’s also a steady hand on ABC’s platforms, making him a natural choice to step into the role behind the powerhouse duo of Joe Buck and Troy Aikman.
Who’s Joining Pasch in the Booth?
Marchand reports that the new-look secondary team could pair Pasch with either Jason Kelce or Hall of Famer Kurt Warner as color analyst. Kelce, one of ESPN’s biggest stars since retiring from the NFL, brings energy and personality, while Warner offers deep football insight from his years as a top analyst on NFL Network.
Other names still in the mix include Mike Monaco, Steve Levy, and Bob Wischusen, but Pasch is the clear leader at this point.
Why the Overhaul?
ESPN’s previous No. 2 team—Chris Fowler, Dan Orlovsky, and Louis Riddick—received mixed reviews despite each being a significant figure in the network’s programming. Orlovsky and Riddick remain key parts of ESPN’s NFL coverage, while Fowler continues as the primary voice of college football on ABC. But the network clearly wants a fresh sound for its secondary Monday night broadcasts.
This restructuring comes as ESPN looks to maximize its investment after acquiring the league’s flagship network. The new booth is expected to debut in the upcoming NFL season.
What This Means for ESPN’s NFL Coverage
With Pasch reportedly leading the way, ESPN is betting on a seasoned play-by-play man who can handle the pressure of a national stage. Whether paired with the charismatic Kelce or the analytical Warner, the new team will aim to deliver a compelling alternative to the Buck-Aikman show.
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