ESPN has been making some sweeping changes to its programming over the past month or so. The network will be losing Skip Bayless, Mike Tirico, Chris Carter, Mike Ditka, and Ray Lewis among others.
One of ESPN’s more popular shows, Sunday NFL Countdown, will be feeling a large change sweep through next season. The network has removed Mike Ditka, Keyshawn Johnson and Chris Carter from the Sunday NFL Countdown panel and has added some fresh, recently retired faces to the show.
Recent reports are that Matthew Hasselbeck, Randy Moss, and Charles Woodson will join the desk for the 2016 NFL season. Longtime host Chris Berman and his sidekick Tom Jackson will return to the desk once again.
Despite the additions of Hasselbeck, Moss, and Woodson there still seems to be a slight void on Sunday NFL Countdown. Perhaps it will be of an old-school coach or another soon-to-be Hall of Famer.
The NFL Mocks staff examined who else could potentially join the Sunday NFL Countdown desk this upcoming season.
Personally, I thought Ryan Clark or Brian Dawkins could each add something to the table. Two long-time veterans who have worked at ESPN and either would compliment Charles Woodson as a defensive stud at the table.
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Shawn Spencer was thinking along the same lines: Why not Ryan Clark? He’s been with ESPN for about a year now and always delivers a unique perspective to every segment he’s a part of. With all of the over-the-top personalities already on the show, his calm demeanor and storytelling ability would be a welcome addition.
Eric Robinson also looked on the defensive side of the ball: Looking at the names of recent retired players over the last five years, two names stood out based on their savvy play and knowledge of the game: Jared Allen and Ronde Barber. I highly doubt Allen wants to hop back in the spotlight but he has the personality and Barber was always on of the smartest players on the field. Interesting to see what he would bring to the analytical side
A superstar name to bring in would obviously be Peyton Manning, who has been rumored to be a future member of the media.
As for current members of the ESPN team, guys such as Eric Allen or Herm Edwards could be options. Edwards would bring back the perspective of an NFL head coach and some much-needed pep to Sunday NFL Countdown.