![ESPN GameDay]()
This would be the worst thing to happen to college football since the transfer portal...so not that long ago, but still.
Pat McAfee has been one of the best things to happen to ESPN's coverage of college football in a long time. The outspoken and unfiltered host has brought new energy to the legendary
College GameDay, giving us some incredible moments in just two seasons as a regular analyst.
Remember the hilarious "Let A Naysayer Know" moment last season?
https://twitter.com/PatMcAfeeShow/status/1741852650197631467
Or this epic troll of Georgia fans before (correctly) predicting that Alabama would take down the defending champs?
https://twitter.com/JomboyMedia/status/1730999328439750705
Of course the former Indianapolis Colts punter brings a different energy than the traditionally-buttoned up style that the show ordinarily features. And that means that there have been plenty of critics who aren't necessarily thrilled with his presence on the show.
Well McAfee has heard the criticism, responding last year to an article in
The Athletic that claimed 48.9% of readers don't like him on the show - and revealing that he hadn't yet signed a contract to appear on
College GameDay in 2024:
"To the 49%, I have some great news.. I have heard you all very loud and clear since the beginning of my stint with GameDay. It’s one of the biggest reasons why I have not resigned a contract with the legendary show. I’m not right for some crowds and the “distinguished” College Football folks are definitely one of those."
https://twitter.com/PatMcAfeeShow/status/1716108719002390873
Of course it would be interesting to see how many of those 49% are above the age of 50 - or even above the age of 40 - and just don't like McAfee's style. Seems like ESPN brought him on to appeal to the younger demographic that's largely moving away from traditional media, and if I had to guess, he's done just that.
But regardless, apparently McAfee was serious about not re-signing with
GameDay - and two months out from the college football season, there's still no agreement in place for him to join the desk for the 2024 college football season.
The Athletic reported yesterday that McAfee has yet to sign a contract for this season, even after saying last year that he would be returning in 2024.
The lineup for this season currently consists of Rece Davis, Desmond Howard, Kirk Herbstreit, Lee Corso and the newly-added Nick Saban following the legendary Alabama coach's retirement. And sure, Saban is going to bring some eyeballs and a fresh perspective to the show. But does he bring the type of energy that McAfee brings?
Personally, I think it would be a huge mistake for ESPN to let McAfee walk from
GameDay, but based on comments McAfee made recently during an interview with fellow host Kirk Herbstreit on
The Pat McAfee Show, it sounds like he's in no hurry to get a deal done:
"It will get figured out. It was an honor...it is an honor to be part of College GameDay."
Umm, "was" an honor?
But to make matters worse for ESPN, it sounds like Herbstreit may follow if they let McAfee walk away.
Back in December, Herbstreit said during an appearance on
The Pat McAfee Show:
“I’m just gonna say this right now. If you dare even think of leaving College GameDay, I’m leaving with you. I am. I’m dead serious...
I’m not kissing your ass. I’m just telling you that, and I told you this a lot, that you’ve changed my experience. I work really hard with these three projects. I’m on on GameDay and the Thursday night game with Al and Saturday with Chris. And you’ve really changed the approach, the energy not just on the set, but like the week. I’m having a blast...
If you dare leave, I'm leaving."
Sounds like ESPN could have problems on their hands if they let McAfee get away from
GameDay...but it also sounds like McAfee is in no hurry to re-sign amid the criticism he's received.
I guess we'll have to wait and see.
