Chicago Radio: McNeil, McMurray For McMornings On WDRV

Dan McNeil

WSCR 670 AM called Dan McNeil a couple of weeks ago when former Bear Patrick Mannelly decided to walk away from his role as McNeil's replacement on the midday show.

McNeil listened, but he told the Chicago Tribune, his mind already was made up. It was time to head in "another direction".

Tuesday, it was announced officially the former sports-talkers will team with Pete McMurray for a new morning show on "The Drive," WDRV 97.1 FM.  The pair will replace Steve Downes, who is retiring.

Pete McMurray

McNeil said the new show, which will begin in early March, will feature "a guy-talk format" on the classic rock station.

"I get excited talking about music and movies," McNeil said. "You know, the type of stuff guys talk about with their buddies on the golf course. That's what the show will sound like."

McNeil made his name during nearly 30 years in sports talk radio. His shows have delivered strong ratings at WSCR and WMVP-AM 1000. However, when he parted ways with WSCR in August, he said it had more to do than not coming to terms on a new contract. He walked away from a reported $350,000-400,000 per year offer.

McNeil describes himself as a "risk-taker" who gets "uncomfortable sometimes with routine."