5 possible replacements for Jon Gruden on Monday Night Football

OAKLAND, CA - NOVEMBER 18: Former head coach of the Oakland Raiders and now ESPN Monday Night Football Analyst Jon Gruden looks on during pre-game warm ups before an NFL football game between the New Orleans Saints and Oakland Raiders at O.co Coliseum on November 18, 2012 in Oakland, California. (Photo by Thearon W. Henderson/Getty Images) /

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INDIANAPOLIS, IN – NOVEMBER 08: Pat McAfee #1 of the Indianapolis Colts celebrates after the 55 yard field goal by Adam Vinatieri during the game against the Denver Broncos at Lucas Oil Stadium on November 8, 2015 in Indianapolis, Indiana. (Photo by Andy Lyons/Getty Images) /

3. Pat McAfee

The former Indianapolis Colts punter would be an unconventional choice but a great fit. Pat McAfee has always had a great sense of humor about being in the NFL and being a punter, not exactly a glamour position. This could be sort of awkward at the start since McAfee is currently with Barstool Sports. ESPN gave Barstool a spot on their channel for all of one episode before they canceled the show. It stands to reason it wasn’t the smoothest discussion behind the scenes. Shows don’t get the greenlight and canceled within one episode if everything goes right. That still shouldn’t stop McAfee from being a serious candidate.

During his playing days, McAfee made the Pro Bowl twice and was one of the best punters in the league. That’s not exactly the same as being a running back or a safety, but he was still a great player in the NFL. He would have plenty of knowledge of the intricacies of the game and would be able to relay that in an incisive and humorous way. His sarcasm and wit would likely help cover any gaps in broadcasting knowledge and it would be entertaining to hear him in this setting. He may not be a Tony Romo-style broadcaster but he would be something new and different.

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