ESPN released a statement today that broadcaster Mike Tirico and ex-coach John Gruden would man a two-man booth for "Monday Night Football" in 2012. This will be the first time in 15 years that ESPN has used a two-man booth. Buried in the news release is the fact that Ron Jaworski has signed a new 5-year contract with the network but his duties will no longer include Monday night football games.
Jaworski has been in the "Monday Night Football" booth for the past five seasons. He originally joined ESPN in 1990 and has worked in a number of roles from sideline reporter to studio host to analyst. He will now take more of an analyst role and his duties will include appearing on "Sunday NFL Countdown", "NFL Matchup", "NFL Live", "NFL Kickoff", "Mike & Mike in the Morning" and PTI's "Five Good Minutes." He also will be featured in ESPN's NFL draft and Super Bowl programming.
"I thank Ron for the great contributions he has made to 'Monday Night Football' and look forward to the many ways he will enhance our studio presentation from our NFL-branded shows to 'SportsCenter,' " ESPN president John Skipper said in the statement. "With two strong analysts in Ron and Jon, these moves will better utilize their strengths and benefit our entire NFL presentation."
While this is not being presented as a demotion for "Jaws", it is likely both media and fans will see it as one. It is also a curious move in light of the ever-present possibility that Jon Gruden could leave the booth to return to coaching.
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