Thursday, Mark Packer retired from ESPN and the ACC Network. He’s been the voice of the ACC Networking since 2019. His Packer and Durham show with Wes Durham was outstanding. Even as Durham moved on, Packer carried on, and while it wasn’t quite as good in my opinion with a variety of guest hosts, it was still solid. I’ll miss Mark Packer and wish him the best.
Who should replace him?
Well, it should definitely be someone with ACC Ties.
Former Clemson OL Eric Maclain would be interesting. He’s a defender of Clemson and the ACC and also rising star.
How about the outspoken, but entertaining, former Florida State QB Danny Kanell? I really like his Dusty and Danny on Sirius XM, and he doesn’t back down with any of his opinions. For that matter, another former FSU QB EJ Manual, would be really good too. Manual always has strong, well-thought-out takes.
Former Georgia Tech RB, Roddy Jones is pretty well known on the sports talk show circuit, and would be fun.
Anish Schroff is a Syracuse alum, is a name I’d keep an eye on. That’s one of blog partner Matt’s top choices.
Chris Spatola is a former Duke basketball assistant and someone with a radio background similar to Mark Packer.
I wouldn’t have a problem with ESPN’s Andrea Adelson and David Hale taking on a bigger role as they cover the ACC already for ESPN.
I think with the media beatings the ACC is often taking, and the low-key ACC commissioner Jim Phillips, you really need a big personality who will promote and defend the ACC member schools.
All of the folks above have done this to a certain extent, but for my money, Danny Kanell is just fearless. He’ll take on opposing conference fans, opposing conference media members, and anyone else who goes after his beloved Noles, and by association, he’s a strong defender of the ACC.
