Multiple sources are confirming that former Senior Associate Athletic Director of External Communications, Joe Giansante, has agreed in principle to a 10-year contract to replace the retiring Jerry Allen as our "Voice of the Ducks". Financial terms of the deal will not be disclosed until the remaining issues with the contract are ironed out between the University of Oregon and Joe Giansante's agent. Giansante left his role at the Unversity of Oregon in June of 2011 to become Director of Advertising, Media and Brand Management for a surety firm in San Diego led by former UO interim Athletic Director Pat Kilkenny.
Although replacing Jerry Allen won't be a small task, it's hard to discount Giansante's credentials and great passion for the University of Oregon. He was the voice of the OSN network and provided commentary in football, basketball, and baseball.. transporting the audience to an entirely different plane of existence. Although it may take the Oregon audience some time to get used to the change, I think having a homegrown Duck is the only answer to replacing Jerry.
As for Jerry Allen, he leaves Oregon after 25 amazing years behind the microphone. This replacement must sting a bit as we all remember Giansante's previous attempt to get the play-by-play job.
Please help me in welcoming Joe Giansante back to the Oregon Broadcasting Family, and please check out what Jerry Allen has to say about his impending retirement!