Jon Gruden’s departure for the Oakland Raiders left a hole on Monday Night Football, and ESPN could be using the Pro Bowl as an audition for Matt Hasselbeck.
The company announced that Hasselbeck, currently a studio analyst, will be the color commentator alongside Sean McDonough and reporter Lisa Salters for the exhibition.
ESPN executive Stephanie Druley said the company is looking at both internal and external candidates and expect to make a decision this spring.
Given the confirmation of “internal candidates,” it logically follows that Hasselbeck is a potential replacement for Gruden. After spending 18 years in the league, Hasselbeck — who made three Pro Bowls as a player — joined ESPN’s Sunday NFL Countdown crew.
Other internal candidates some have suggested for the MNF vacancy are Randy Moss and Rex Ryan, while external options include Peyton Manning and Kurt Warner. Steve Young, who works with Hasselbeck on ESPN, has said he is not interested.