Network May Replace Meredith, O.J. on TV Crew for Super Bowl

There is a possibility that commentators Don Meredith and O.J. Simpson will be replaced for ABC’s Super Bowl coverage.

A New York television source told The Times Thursday that the network would like to use San Francisco 49er Coach Bill Walsh and his quarterback, Joe Montana, alongside play-by-play announcer Frank Gifford.

Of course, those two will not be available if the 49ers beat the Chicago Bears in Sunday’s NFC championship game, as they are favored to do.

Another possibility, the source said, is Miami Coach Don Shula and Washington quarterback Joe Theismann. Shula will not be available, however, if his Dolphins defeat Pittsburgh in Sunday’s AFC championship game.

Irv Brodsky, a spokesman for ABC Sports, would neither confirm nor deny the story. “We have not made any decisions regarding our announcing team for the Super Bowl,” he said.

Asked if either Meredith or Simpson had clauses in their contracts that they would work the Super Bowl, Brodsky said, “I don’t think so. But that doesn’t mean they won’t.”

In all likelihood, Meredith and Simpson will be used in some capacity on the telecast.

Ed Hookstratten, the agent for both, said he was unaware of any proposed changes. “It doesn’t make any sense to me, bringing in amateurs for the most important game of the year.”

That ABC may be considering changing its lineup for the Super Bowl may be an indication that Meredith and Simpson will not be back next season. Both of their contracts expire before next season.