Report: ESPN may pursue Al Michaels for Monday Night Football

New York Post

Michaels, who called MNF games on ABC from 1986 to 2005, could return to the ESPN version of the NFL broadcast, reports the New York Post's Andrew Marchand. The 77-year-old Michaels' NBC contract is set to expire amid reports that he may join Amazon's Thursday Night Football. "While Michaels’ negotiations have progressed with Amazon, there are still questions on whom Michaels would partner with at the streaming platform," says Marchand. "That is to say the official’s arms have not been raised to the sky yet. Meanwhile, ESPN’s Monday Night Football is on the verge of something of a renaissance as in its new 11-year deal, it will add six ABC games and two Super Bowls. Its schedule is expected to remain very strong, as it soon adds some late-season flex games. Its expansion in games will necessitate needing an extra broadcast team. ESPN is satisfied with its current No. 1 crew of Steve Levy, Brian Griese and Louis Riddick Jr. and was ecstatic over the reception of the Manningcast alternative broadcast this season. The network doesn’t feel like it is imperative to go after Michaels, but it remains intrigued."