Can the end of Mike Francesa on WFAN be the beginning of a new era of “Mike and the Mad Dog”? Chris Russo is campaigning for it.
“Mad Dog” is angling for a regularly scheduled reunion with him and his partner of 19 years, but at Russo’s new home base of SiriusXM.
In an interview with Sports Illustrated that was posted Tuesday, Russo used the platform to present his vague idea of “Mike and the Mad Dog” 2.0, which Russo hopes can be a reality if/when Francesa leaves WFAN on Dec. 15, his scheduled final day of ruling the midday New York airwaves.
“I would not rule it out,” Russo said when asked if the two could get back together. “I certainly wouldn’t rule it out.
“I think you would see something on maybe a once-a-week situation. If Mike wanted to come to Sirius, I’d be very happy. ‘Mike and the Mad Dog’ could do something on Sirius.”
What comes next for Francesa is unknown; the most the heavily listened to, heavily criticized radio host has offered is that his next job may not be “conventional.” He repeatedly has said he won’t be retiring after 30 years as the loudmouth king of the network, and previously has shot down the idea of joining Russo at Sirius. That hasn’t stopped Mad Dog’s recruiting.
“He told me at the Super Bowl that he’s going to work Jan. 3. I do think he’s going to leave FAN. I don’t think Mike’s going to stay there after Dec. 15,” Russo said, three days before the “30 for 30” documentary about the duo premieres at the Tribeca Film Festival. “But if Mike wanted to orchestrate some sort of renewal with me, I would do it. I definitely would. But I don’t know if Mike’s going to want to go in that direction. Ball’s kind of in his court on that.”