Jackson Didn’t Want Fuss as He Leaves ABC

Before Keith Jackson’s previous retirement, after the 1998 college football season, there were gifts, speeches, news conferences -- a season-long farewell tour.

Six months later, offered a schedule of mostly West Coast games, which involved considerably less travel, he decided to unretire.

Jackson, 77, has retired again, this time for sure, he says, and this time amid little fanfare.

He said he had pretty much decided by the middle of last season but held off announcing it until late Wednesday when he called a reporter in New York and another in Los Angeles. That was it. He didn’t want anyone to make a fuss.

Thursday, Jackson said, “I picked this week because, with so much going on, the NFL draft and everything else, I thought you’d probably ignore it.”

Hard to ignore. Jackson, known as Mr. College Football, is a broadcasting legend.

Jackson spent 39 consecutive years announcing college football for ABC, after spending one year, 1970, in the “Monday Night Football” booth. His broadcasting career has spanned 54 years.

Jackson, at home in Sherman Oaks on Thursday nursing a sore forehead -- he had a basal cell carcinoma removed Wednesday -- said he had been fielding quite a few phone calls.

But, he added, “I think the big reaction will come when the season opens Sept. 2. Maybe a few folks will notice the old country voice is missing. I’ll be fishing or playing golf that day in British Columbia.”

He and his wife, Turi Ann, have a second home there.

Jackson, born in rural Georgia, attended Washington State and has lived in Southern California since 1964. However, he retained his Southern accent, which contributed to his legendary status.

Now the question is, who replaces Jackson? His choice is commentating partner and close friend Dan Fouts.

“I think Dan would be able to easily make the transition to play by play,” Jackson said, “I hope they give him the chance.”

Fouts, reached at his home in Oregon, said he had talked about making the switch with Norby Williamson, the executive in charge of ESPN and ABC announcers.

Fouts did television play by play on San Diego Charger exhibition games for several years in the late 1980s and on San Francisco 49er exhibitions for a couple of years after that.

Williamson, who said he had tried to persuade Jackson not to retire, said, “No one can replace Keith Jackson.

“This will not be a one-for-one replacement. ESPN and ABC Sports have a deep roster on college football play-by-play including Brent Musburger, Brad Nessler and Mike Patrick.”

Of Fouts’ desire to try play by play, Williamson said, “Dan has been a valued contributor for a long time, and we will be supportive of him as he wants to make the transition from one of the game’s top analysts to a play-by-play role.”

Another Tough Act to Follow

Fox is trying to replace James Brown as the host of its NFL pregame show, because Brown has gone to CBS.

Fox has auditioned Jeanne Zelasko, Chris Myers, Curt Menefee, and Kevin Frazier, formerly of ESPN and now with “Entertainment Tonight.”

Pam Oliver figures to be another candidate.