After being a part of "Big Monday” since the Big Eight games moved into the showcase setting in 1992, Franklin has been reduced to Wednesday and Saturday night broadcasts. Franklin and analyst Fran Fraschilla have been replaced by Brent Musburger and former Texas Tech coach Bob Knight on "Big Monday.”
You have to wonder how many Big 12 coaches, whom Knight has feuded with, also are unhappy with the change. OU coach Jeff Capel might fit in that category.
"I can’t tell you how many coaches and athletic directors from around the league have called me to say we don’t agree with this,” Franklin said this week.
The reduced role likely will make it easier for Franklin, 67, to stick with his plan to retire from ESPN when his contract expires in April.
"They have said, ‘Wait ’til after football, we want to talk to you.’ But with some of the things going on, golly, stuff like this,” he said.
Franklin, an Austin, Texas, resident, said losing his "Big Monday” role was a surprise to him. He said he will have only one game at Kansas this season after having covered up to six games a season from Lawrence, Kan.
"It’s hurtful to have it happen,” Franklin said. "It’s something that we’ve helped build on and help grow. We sell this conference and we sell those teams that are on ‘Big Monday.’ I wonder a little bit if the new group will do as much of that because I’m not sure they have the vested interest or care as much about the league as we do because Fran and I live down here.”
Fraschilla, who lives in Dallas, will concentrate on Big East games this season, but will do some Big 12 games.
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