49ers QB Coach Brian Griese On ESPN Departure: They ‘Got A Bigger Fish In Troy Aikman’
Jun 1, 2022, 2:59 PM | Updated: Jul 14, 2022, 3:56 pm
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Former Denver Broncos Quarterback Brian Griese recently left ESPN’s Monday Night Football broadcast to accept a new position with the San Francisco 49ers as their quarterbacks coach for the 2022 season, but the details on his departure indicate more of a mutual spilt between the two parties.
Griese acknowledged such Tuesday, speaking to the media, stating his excitement for the new opportunity in the Bay Area while also citing the Troy Aikman hire as a sign his time at ESPN was coming to an end.
“I got to a point where I needed a new challenge,” Griese said. “That, coupled with the moment where ESPN decided to go in a different direction — I’m not saying they didn’t — but they got a bigger fish. I understand the dynamics of that. I always knew that that possibility and probably likelihood was out there. But I did get to do it at the highest level for two years, and I loved every minute of it. So I had a decision to make at that point. This opportunity came up, and it was a challenge that I wanted to run towards and not away from. I’m excited about it. I’m rejuvenated by the opportunity to get back in the arena to compete, to win and lose and lead and be part of something bigger than yourself. That’s a real gift.”
The NFL broadcasting carousel has been a wild one this offseason with Aikman leaving his longtime post at Fox, alongside Joe Buck, to make up the new tandem for ESPN’s prime-time games. Kevin Burkhardt and Greg Olsen now slide into the No.1 slot for Fox’s NFL broadcasts, also acquiring Tampa Bay Buccaneers QB Tom Brady to join the booth once he finally retires from the NFL.
Griese, having never coached in the NFL prior, will now be tasked with the development of 49ers prospect Trey Lance as they look to return to the postseason in 2022 after being knocked out by the LA Rams in the NFC Championship game last season.
