Why Mike Golic Returning Is a Home Run Hire for ESPN Radio

ESPN Radio found its answer. The network, which needed some added punch, star power, and secure footing for affiliates, just sent a resounding message that echoes throughout the industry. Three months after the departure of Clinton Yates, the network announced Monday that Mike Golic will co-host a two-hour weekday program alongside his son and co-host, Mike Golic Jr.

Last month, I questioned the network over what I termed a lack of forward planning. How could a network that serves as ESPN’s national sports radio arm not have an immediate answer following Yates’ departure? It left not only me asking questions, but affiliates around the country as well. Yesterday’s news of The Golics returning to ESPN Radio silenced any remaining concerns.

Since Golic left ESPN Radio in July 2020, he attempted to relaunch his program alongside Golic Jr. several times: first with the DraftKings Network in 2023 and more recently with FanDuel Sports Network in 2025. However, following the end of his run at FanDuel Sports Network, there were questions about what Golic Sr. would do next. At 63 years old, he already had a Hall of Fame broadcasting career. Would he continue to forge ahead and build upon an already impressive legacy?

In need of a splash and something to energize local audiences about the strength of its lineup, the network signed both Golic’s to multi-year agreements to host a two-hour late-morning program together. ESPN Radio also shifted its afternoon lineup to better match the competition at FOX Sports Radio by elevating Matt Jones and Myron Medcalf to the 3-5 p.m. slot. Freddie Coleman and Harry Douglas also move later in the day, from 5-8 p.m.

However, the return of Mike Golic to ESPN Radio is a home run. Few can match his level of brand value to the ESPN Radio platform. For a quarter century, Mike Golic helped build ESPN Radio from a network with a handful of affiliates and limited dayparts into the model everyone else was chasing.

Sports media continues to live in an era of nostalgia. What’s old is new again. From Roundball Rock to This Was SportsCenter, Mike Golic returning to ESPN Radio fits that model extremely well. For many years, his voice was the one millions around the country woke up to each morning. He connected with the common fan, enjoying a beer at the corner of the bar. He talked about family, life and the fun that makes sports the greatest form of entertainment around. That formula worked for a quarter century. Now it has a second act.

Without a doubt, like Rich Eisen before him, Mike Golic will bring tremendous value back to the ESPN Radio lineup.

From a business standpoint, this also makes complete sense. While the competition attempts to build new stars on massive platforms, ESPN Radio threw its weight on the scale. Mike Golic is a known commodity. A proven concept. ESPN Radio is stronger with a Golic on its marquee.

In addition, the 10 a.m.-noon timeslot likely airs on many ESPN Radio affiliates around the country. A five-hour block featuring The Golics followed by The Rich Eisen Show is a tremendous selling point for local affiliates to present to advertisers.

It’s a far cry from where the network was just a year ago in those two time slots.

A month ago, I questioned whether ESPN truly valued the product it had with ESPN Radio. I found it curious that a network as large as ESPN, with as many assets as it owns, could sit idle while listeners have more options every day to consume sports content.

A month later, it’s fair to say ESPN Radio answered those concerns, likely in the best way it possibly could.

The network didn’t simply fill an opening. It restored confidence in its lineup by bringing back one of the most recognizable and respected voices the format has ever produced. Mike Golic isn’t just another host added to the schedule. He’s synonymous with ESPN Radio’s rise, and his return instantly gives affiliates, advertisers and listeners something they can believe in.

Will this guarantee ratings success in every local market that carries the programming? Of course not. Every show has to earn its audience. But the audience on radio is aging and clamoring for familiarity. What better way to reward that then bringing a founding father back home.

If ESPN Radio wanted to make the strongest statement possible about its commitment to the platform, there may not have been a better option available at this moment than bringing Mike Golic home. Sometimes the smartest move isn’t chasing what’s next. It’s recognizing the value of what already worked.

In this case, ESPN Radio found the right answer at exactly the right time.

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John Mamola is Barrett Media’s sports editor and daily sports columnist. He brings over two decades of experience (Chicago, Tampa/St Petersburg) in the broadcast industry with expertise in brand management, sales, promotions, producing, imaging, hosting, talent coaching, talent development, web development, social media strategy and design, video production, creative writing, partnership building, communication/networking with a long track record of growth and success. He is a five-time recognized top 20 program director in a major market via Barrett Medi’s Top 20 series and has been honored internally multiple times as station/brand of the year (Tampa, FL) and employee of the month (Tampa, FL) by iHeartMedia. Connect with John by email at John@BarrettMedia.com.