Monday Night Football: 10 Announcers We'd Rather See

The first game of tonight's Monday Night Football Doubleheader features the normal broadcast team of Mike Tirico, Jon Gruden, and Ron Jaworski.

The trio has developed solid chemistry and is capable of being informative without being boring.  Hopefully, the moody Tirico is happy when the ball is kicked off tonight.

The second game features the dynamic duo of Brad Nessler and Trent Dilfer and isn't likely to be nearly as pleasing for viewers.

Although ESPN has done an excellent job of improving its Monday Night broadcast, it's always fun to dream about what could happen should the winds of change start blowing.

Here's a look at 10 people it would be fun to see step into the booth on Mondays.

No. 10: Joe Namath

Say it ain't so, Joe.

America wants to be entertained, and Joe Namath would certainly be interesting to follow in the booth.  Just because he used to play football doesn't mean he would be informative, however.

Then again, it really doesn't matter.  Paul Maguire, ESPN's longtime Sunday Night Football announcer, never had a relevant thought during his entire career.

And of course there was Tony Kornheiser, who constantly attempted to expand the scope of the broadcast outside of the actual action on the field.

Namath would probably jump at the chance to get in the spotlight.  Getting the chance to work with his crush Suzy Kolber would be the icing on the cake.

"Yeah!!!"

No. 9: Kanye West

One of the worst parts of a bad broadcast occurs when the broadcast team doesn't really know what to say.

In tonight's unexciting battle between the Chiefs and Chargers, it's possible the chemistry between Brad Nessler and Trent Dilfer will be less than stellar.

What better way to spice things up a bit than by harking back to those golden days of Monday Night Football and bringing in a non-football figure to bring levity to the broadcast.

Kanye West would be a perfect fit for the booth tonight, capable of making pointless random comments and keeping viewers tuned in hopes of hearing him say something offensive on the air.

As cool as it would be, offering a one-night only gig to Kanye would also come with a big risk.  His track record suggests he might end up interrupting Nessler's lead-in prior to kickoff.

That would make it worth tuning in, even if it meant sitting through a Matt Cassel passing exhibition.

No. 8: Joe Paterno

Bobby Bowden says Joe Paterno should go out on his terms.  I say Joe Paterno should retire immediately and head to a familiar place; the press box.

Joe Pa's love of the game is contagious, and he is one funny dude.  Now if only we could understand what the hell he was talking about.

At the same time, Lou Holtz has managed to have a successful post-coaching career in broadcasting despite constant battles with saliva that makes him almost impossible to understand.

Move over Jaws, another Pennsylvania legend is taking the elevator up to the booth.

No. 7: Ernie Johnson

Chris Berman is bombastic, ignorant, and one tired act of a studio host.  He is everything Ernie Johnson isn't.

Johnson, who hosts TNT's Emmy Award-winning Inside the NBA would be able to command the studio hosts while offering insightful insights from time to time.

He is also capable of talking without stuttering, a crucial aspect of broadcast journalism Berman has never grasped.

No. 6: Troy Aikman

Christian Petersen/Getty Images

GLENDALE, AZ - JANUARY 10: Troy Aikman attends the 2010 NFC wild-card playoff game between the Green Bay Packers the Arizona Cardinals at the Universtity of Phoenix Stadium on January 10, 2010 in Glendale, Arizona. The Cardinals defeated the Packers 51

FOX doesn't bring much to the table when it comes to broadcasting, but Aikman is the exception.

Joe Buck's partner offers insight to the game and doesn't overdue it.  He simply gets the job done without being annoying.

Jon Gruden and Ron Jaworski aren't going anywhere, but Aikman would be an excellent replacement if either decided to move on.

No. 5: Brent Musburger

Musburger makes everything exciting.  At times, it's annoying.  At other times, it's a breath of fresh air.

His personal achievements during his lengthy career in broadcasting are difficult to ignore.  Although his assignments dictate that he only covers the most marquee teams in college football, he seems to have a good understanding of the landscape around the nation.

Most importantly, Musburger has an in-depth knowledge of and respect for the history of the game.

He would certainly bring a nice dose of traditionalism to the booth.

No. 4: Mike Mayock

Notre Dame fans might not being annoying to watch this season thanks to the arrival of Mayock in the booth.

Mayock's analysis on the NFL Network isn't flashy but is very informed, something that isn't always the case in the Boo-Ya Network's programming.

Mayock would also be a capable fit in the studio.  It's about time Tom Jackson and Mike Ditka take their aging talents somewhere else.

No. 3: Marv Albert

Albert has rebounded nicely from that nasty "bite 'em in the back" incident in a New York hotel room several years ago to resurrect his broadcasting career.

The longtime voice of the NBA on NBC and TNT is also an experienced football broadcaster when it comes to the NFL. 

Albert worked as Westwood One's lead radio play-by-play guy covering Monday Night Football and the Super Bowl beginning in 2002 before walking away prior to this season.

Although there is no question his forte will always be hoops, Albert's smooth style makes the game a joy to watch.

No. 2: Gus Johnson

Mr. Excitement is in the building.

Johnson's youthful style isn't just blabber.  There is substance behind his unique style that makes any game he is calling entertaining to watch, even if it's Big Ten Women's Basketball.

Someday, the rising star in broadcasting get land a big-time gig in the Monday Night Booth.  Until then, we will continue to enjoy his exploits on CBS.

In the meantime, let's turn back the clock...

No. 1: Al Michaels

Monday Night Football is now Sunday Night Football.  It still doesn't seem quite right.

Throughout all the changes by his side in the booth, Al Michaels held around and just did his thing.

His voice became comfortable to viewers, and his ability to keep his personality in check and leave the analysis to the experts made the MNF experience tolerable no matter who he was working with.

Michaels is without question one of the best sports broadcasters of the modern generation, and he will always have value as an NFL announcer even as his career begins to wind down.