Jarrett Payton to replace Mike Mulligan on The Score
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Jarrett Payton. Photo: Karl Walter/Variety/Penske Media via Getty Images
Jarrett Payton will replace Mike "Mully" Mulligan as the co-host of the morning show at The Score.
Why it matters: Payton brings a familiar Chicago sports voice — and one of the city's most famous football names — to The Score's flagship morning show just as the Bears season gets underway.
The latest: On Friday, Score management let Mully go after almost 25 years at the station, helming both mornings and midday shifts.
- Midday co-host Marshall Harris was also let go late last week.
- Payton will replace Mully alongside co-host David Haugh, while Leah Rahimi and Mark Grote will continue to host the midday show now called "Rahimi & Grote."
What they're saying: "We're excited to welcome Jarrett Payton and believe his experience, perspective and deep connection to Chicago and its great fan bases will be a tremendous addition to our morning show alongside David Haugh," The Score's VP Mitch Rosen said in a release.
The intrigue: Earlier this month, Jarrett Payton left his job as WGN's sports anchor, saying he wanted to spend more time with his family. The Score gig moves him to mornings after years of working evenings.
Zoom out: Mully made a career transition to full-time radio host after a longtime stint as a sports columnist for the Chicago Sun-Times, where he covered, among other things, Michael Jordan and the 1990s Bulls.
The big picture: The lineup shakeup comes months after The Score began simulcasting on 104.3 FM, a move that so far hasn't produced a major ratings bump.
- The station also broadcasts the Cubs and the Bulls.
What's next: Payton will join Haugh for the launch of the new morning show "Haugh & Payton" next Monday (Aug. 31).
The bottom line: Payton brings experience and name recognition to The Score's flagship morning show just as football is about to kick off.