List of candidates to replace Joe Buck emerges

News emerged Friday that Joe Buck is poised to leave FOX to join ESPN, leaving big shoes behind at his old network. Now, reports are suggesting who might replace Buck at FOX.

No. 2 NFL broadcaster Kevin Burkhardt is viewed as the favorite to take over as the lead voice of NFL coverage, according to Andrew Marchand of the New York Post. However, the network is likely to have internal conversations about whether to pursue Al Michaels, who is currently a free agent after departing NBC.

As for FOX’s MLB coverage, which includes the World Series, the network appears to have a wider range of considerations. Marchand says Joe Davis and Adam Amin, both of whom have called MLB games for the network, are viewed as candidates. FOX is also expected to look at external candidates, including ESPN’s Dan Shulman and MLB Network’s Matt Vasgersian.

Buck has been such a huge part of FOX’s sports coverage for over 25 years. He leaves huge shoes to fill, and the network appears to be leaning toward using multiple figures to fulfill his responsibilities. Michaels is certainly the most well-known name, and does not appear to have a clear lean despite interest from Amazon. If FOX wants a big name, he’s their best shot at this point.

Photo: Aug 26, 2018; Arlington, TX, USA; Network television commentator Al Michaels before the game between the Dallas Cowboys and the Arizona Cardinals at AT&T Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-USA TODAY Sports