ESPN is preparing for substantial changes to its secondary broadcast team following the league’s official announcement earlier this week that Monday Night Football doubleheaders are no more. The network is shifting its secondary game inventory to its newly acquired NFL Network property, while the NFL will sell off four additional games to other outlets. This shift, part of the broader media rights agreement that saw ESPN gain full control of NFL Network in exchange for the league purchasing a 10% stake in the network, marks the end of an era for ESPN’s traditional #2 booth and raises questions about who will call the league’s expanding slate of games.
No more Fowler, Orlovsky and Riddick?
For the past few seasons, ESPN’s #2 team consisted of play-by-play announcer Chris Fowler alongside analysts Dan Orlovsky and Louis Riddick. This trio handled the secondary MNF game during doubleheader weeks, delivering solid but often polarizing commentary that drew mixed reviews from fans. Meanwhile, NFL Network’s own broadcasts typically featured Rich Eisen and Kurt Warner in the booth, with occasional fill-ins from established FOX and CBS teams to round out the schedule.
The new package is expected to focus heavily on international games, which could create significant scheduling headaches for the current personalities. Fowler, Orlovsky, and Riddick all have deep ties to ESPN’s college football coverage. Fowler is the longtime lead voice, Orlovsky splits time between the daily and Saturday studio shows, while Riddick does color commentary for some of top weekly matchups. Rich Eisen faces similar conflicts with his radio show, The Rich Eisen Show. These commitments make a full-season slate on NFL Network particularly challenging, especially with games often played in London or other international markets that require early or unconventional broadcast windows.
The candidates for the new booth
According to reporting from The Athletic’s Andrew Marchand, several familiar names are emerging as contenders to reshape the play-by-play side of a potential new booth configuration. Dave Pasch, Mike Monaco, and Bob Wischusen are among those in the mix, bringing a range of experience from college football, NBA, and other high-profile assignments. On the analyst side, former Philadelphia Eagles center Jason Kelce has surfaced as a “dark horse candidate,” injecting potential star power and fresh perspective from a recent player’s viewpoint. Kurt Warner, the longtime NFL Network stalwart and Hall of Fame quarterback, remains under consideration as well, offering continuity with the network’s existing talent pool.
That said, the original #2 crew of Fowler, Orlovsky, and Riddick could still see limited action. Depending on the final schedule, they may handle a game here and there—but it’s unlikely they’ll anchor the full slate moving forward. Notably, Marchand’s reporting does not indicate that Rich Eisen is being considered for any regular play-by-play duties. Eisen was widely criticized for his past performances in that role, which may have factored into the decision to look elsewhere.
ESPN’s takeover of NFL Network operations adds another layer to the transition. While the network’s flagship coverage remains unchanged, with top team Joe Buck and Troy Aikman locked in as the lead voices and set to call ESPN’s first-ever Super Bowl this February. The secondary package will now live primarily under the NFL Network banner. One element staying consistent is the upcoming NFL Draft later this month, which will retain its traditional NFL Network talent and production approach.
Beyond the booth, ESPN is also focused on retaining key personnel. The network is eager to keep insider Ian Rapoport, whose contract expires at the end of this month, as part of its expanded NFL reporting staff.
Fans have grown accustomed to the Fowler-Orlovsky-Riddick dynamic during MNF splits, but the shift to international-heavy games on NFL Network could open the door for new chemistry and voices that better suit a 24/7 dedicated football channel. Whether it’s Pasch or Monaco sliding into the play-by-play chair, Kelce adding unfiltered analysis, or Warner returning in a bigger role, the coming weeks and months will clarify ESPN’s vision.
One thing is certain: the days of the familiar #2 MNF setup are numbered, and a new era of NFL broadcasting on the reimagined NFL Network is about to begin. As the league heads into the 2026 season, viewers will be watching closely to see how these pieces fall into place, and whether the changes elevate the viewing experience or leave some gaps in the transition.
