Fansided

Chris Russo hints at ‘Mike and the Mad Dog’ reunion on SiriusXM

By Casey Pazzalia

Dec 10, 2015; Nashville, TN, USA; MLB network analyst Chris Russo on set during the MLB winter meetings at Gaylord Opryland Resort . Mandatory Credit: Jim Brown-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 10, 2015; Nashville, TN, USA; MLB network analyst Chris Russo on set during the MLB winter meetings at Gaylord Opryland Resort . Mandatory Credit: Jim Brown-USA TODAY Sports /
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Former ‘Mike and the Mad Dog’ host Chris Russo invited his ex-partner Mike Francessa to SiriusXM.

For nearly 20 years, Mike and the Mad Dog ruled New York radio. The pair first joined forces in 1989, broadcasting solely on WFAN in New York City. However, when YES Network launched in 2002, the network chose to simulcast their show on television.

Due to the rising popularity of Mike and the Mad Dog,  the show outgrew its original four-hour time slot. Originally extended to five hours, the show eventually settled in with a remarkable five and a half hour broadcast.

By the time Mike Francesa and Chris ‘Mad Dog’ Russo parted ways in 2008, their program was the gold standard of local radio. After the split, Francesa stayed with WFAN and YES Network. He now hosts his own show, Mike’s On: Francesa on the FAN, which debuted in September of 2008.

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‘Mad Dog’ went on to host High Heat on MLB Network, as well as earning his own channel, Mad Dog Sports Radio on SiriusXM. For the first time since their breakup, the former co-hosts could have a real reunion.

Are the stars are finally aligned? Mike Francesa’s current contract with WFAN is over at the end of 2017 and reportedly has no interest in staying with the company, and will explore other avenues (or retiring).

Enter SiriusXM.

Mad Dog Sports Radio now has a gaping hole in programming due to Stephen A. Smith’s departure back to ESPN Radio. When asked about the situation on The Bernie and Sid Show, ‘Mad Dog’ extended the invitation to Francesa saying that “the door is open, anytime”.

‘Mad Dog’ wasn’t too hopeful about Francesa accepting, stating that “Mike will never do it”.

Despite his outward pessimism, ‘Mad Dog’ was simply trying to take the pressure off his former partner. In fact, reunions in sports happen all the time. If LeBron can go back to Cleveland, then it’s possible for Mike and the Mad Dog to reconnect.

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As Francesa and Russo figure out their next move, the spotlight will be on them again come February. ESPN is planning to air a Mike and the Mad Dog documentary, as part of their 30 for 30 series.

Maybe with the increased national exposure, it will drum up some nostalgia that leads to Francesa accepting ‘Mad Dog’s offer.

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