Mike Mayock hired as.........Notre Dame TV color commentator

[FirstTimer]

Notre Dame fans tuning into NBC will get their color this fall from Mike Mayock.

The network on Monday tabbed Mayock, who had served as an NFL Network college football and NFL Draft analyst, to fill the game analyst role vacated when Pat Haden left to take the athletic director position at USC.

"As the son of a coach and someone who has been around football my entire life, my favorite part of sports television has always been broadcasting games," Mayock said in a release announcing the hire.

"The fact that I will now provide commentary on one of the most historically important teams in the history of college football on NBC Sports makes me about as happy as I can be as a sports broadcaster."

It's an intriguing hire, as Mayock's name had not been bandied about in speculation as to who would replace Haden, the focus mainly on names such as ex-Irish quarterback Joe Theismann and Charles Davis, an analyst with Fox and the Big Ten Network, among others.

According to NBC's release, Mayock has been game analyst for the NFL Network's coverage of the Texas Bowl, the Insight Bowl, and Under Armour Senior Bowl. He was as a college football analyst for ABC Sports (2001-03), Fox Sports Net (2000), and CBS Sports (1996-99).

"Mike's knowledge of and passion for college football has resulted in him becoming one of the most respected voices in the game," NBC Sports executive producer Sam Flood said in a release announcing the hire. "He possesses a relentless work ethic and perfect pedigree as a former player and son of a coach. We are excited to add him to our team."

Mayock joins the returning Tom Hammond and Alex Flanagan on NBC's Notre Dame broadcast team.

Odd replacement in a way. I really thought ND would go with an alum to take the spot. I was hoping for Tom Thayer.

[NAHSTE]

I don't really like Mayock as a TV-guy, despite respecting the information he brings. I just find him kind of annoying.

Not to worry though because I won't have to see him much. Notre Dame games are usually my second or third option when I'm surfing channels on the 3:30 Saturday slot. He's easily better than the guy I have to watch, Gary Danielson.

[Warner2BruceTD]

They needed younger blood. Get Tom Hammond out of here, too. ND just screams 1971 to these recruits in so many ways.

[Senser81]

I don't really like Mayock as a TV-guy, despite respecting the information he brings. I just find him kind of annoying.

Not to worry though because I won't have to see him much. Notre Dame games are usually my second or third option when I'm surfing channels on the 3:30 Saturday slot. He's easily better than the guy I have to watch, Gary Danielson.

Danielson used to be good, but he's gone the same path as Bob Griese/Pat Haden and gotten senile. Its kinda weird how all the college football announcers were hired in the late-80's at the same time, and now they've all gotten senile at about the same time.

Tom Thayer is brutal. He is the furthest thing from a "natural conversationalist". He basically yells at the listener all game. Him yelling "BALL!!" whenever there is a fumble is borderline retarded.

[FirstTimer]

Danielson used to be good, but he's gone the same path as Bob Griese/Pat Haden and gotten senile. Its kinda weird how all the college football announcers were hired in the late-80's at the same time, and now they've all gotten senile at about the same time.

Tom Thayer is brutal. He is the furthest thing from a "natural conversationalist". He basically yells at the listener all game. Him yelling "BALL!!" whenever there is a fumble is borderline retarded.

Thayer is very good IMO. Yeah sometimes he does the "Ball" thing which I know people can find annoying but he's very good at actually breaking the game down. He's no the most fluid speaker but I overlook that for the fact that he does a good job breaking down the game, is knowledgable, and in this case is an ND alum as well.

[Senser81]

Thayer is very good IMO. Yeah sometimes he does the "Ball" thing which I know people can find annoying but he's very good at actually breaking the game down. He's no the most fluid speaker but I overlook that for the fact that he does a good job breaking down the game, is knowledgable, and in this case is an ND alum as well.

Wow. I bet you also overlook a girl's ugliness if she has a "good personality".

[FirstTimer]

Wow. I bet you also overlook a girl's ugliness if she has a "good personality".

What? She does!

[Irish]

Ehhhhhhh.

Better than Haden. Not that exciting of a commentator but I respect his football knowledge more than most, especially Haden. As long as he studies up on his ND knowledge and the team's players and stuff. One of the things I hate is watching ND games on ESPN. Where the knowledge of the team was about Jimmy Clausen, or how that Michael Floyd has the potential to be a 1st rounder. I get spoiled by NBC actually having thoughts about guys like Kerry Neal, Roby Toma, and Harrison Smith.

I agree Tom Hammond also needs to get out of there.

[padman59]

Mayock seems like a solid choice. Tom Hammond needs to be replaced now.

[biggamejrs]

So no go on Tim Brown?

[1ke]

BALL!!!