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Denver sports radio station lets go of longtime hosts

Darren "DMac" McKee, Orlando Franklin, Nate Jackson and Chad Brown have left 104.3 The Fan in the latest lineup change at the Denver sports radio station.

GREENWOOD VILLAGE, Colo. — Another change is in the works at one of Colorado's biggest sports radio stations.

Bonneville Denver announced Monday a new lineup on Denver sports radio station KKFN-FM 104.3 The Fan.

Darren "DMac" McKee, longtime co-host of the weekday afternoon sports show "The Drive," was one of four radio personalities let go Monday as part of the lineup changes.

Former Bronco offensive lineman Orlando Franklin, former Broncos tight end Nate Jackson, and 15-year NFL veteran and Colorado Buffalo Chad Brown are also out at 104.3 The Fan.

"On to the next thing," McKee posted on X.

"Absolutely overwhelmed. I cannot tell you how grateful I am for the messages. Thank you. Not gonna lie seeing what my son wrote is next level. It’s been quite a day. I need a little time. But hopefully back at it very soon," McKee said.

"I was just informed that my services will no longer be needed or wanted at @DenverSportsCom," Franklin posted. "They canceled our show. Funny how things work. Thanks to all the listeners locally for your support over the years. On to bigger and better."

Franklin had returned to 104.3 The Fan in June 2022 after a year coaching football with the San Francisco 49ers. Franklin was a host on The Fan from 2018 through August 2021, when he left to join Kyle Shanahan’s 49ers staff under General Manager John Lynch.

Franklin and Brown also currently serve as Denver Broncos analysts on 9NEWS.

"Welp! My time at 104.3 The Fan has come to an end, guys. I enjoyed every minute of it and appreciate the hard work of my colleagues and all of you who rocked with us on The Players Club. It was fun, and now it’s done. Much love. Go Broncos!" Jackson said Monday.

"The world keeps turning & life keeps changing. Woke up this morning & had a daily radio show, by 11:30 I no longer had a daily radio show," Brown wrote on X. "I will always appreciate the listeners of The Players Club, you helped turn a dream into a reality. Thanks to all who helped me along the way!"

As part of the lineup changes, "The Drive" on 104.3 The Fan will be co-hosted by former Broncos, CU Buffaloes and South High School running back Phillip Lindsay, beginning Tuesday.

A newcomer to Denver sports radio, Lindsay will team with Zach Bye, who has spent the past seven years hosting middays at 104.3 The Fan.

“I can’t put into words how thrilled I am to team up with Zach and begin my new career in this city that means absolutely everything to me,” Lindsay said. “I know what it means to be from Denver, I’ve lived here my entire life. This is my city. This is my home. I’m going to give it everything I’ve got, just like I did every time I stepped on the field here.” 

Replacing Bye as Brandon Stokley’s partner will be Josh Dover on the new weekday program “Stokley and Josh.” Dover joins the station after spending the past seven years in Denver with Kroenke Sports and Entertainment's Altitude 92.5 FM.

“We are proud to usher in a new generation here on 104.3 The Fan,” said Katie Reid, Bonneville Denver senior vice president and market manager. “This new lineup will provide a stable and consistent listening experience for our audience. We’re extremely excited to welcome both Phil and Josh, as their high character, dynamic personalities and passion for their Denver community will resonate deeply with our audience.” 

104.3 The Fan weekday lineup

  • 6 – 10 a.m. Mark Schlereth and Mike Evans
  • 10 a.m. – 2 p.m. Brandon Stokley and Josh Dover
  • 2 – 6 p.m. Zach Bye and Phillip Lindsay
  • 6 – 7 p.m.  DenverSports.com Digital Team

The changes are the latest for listeners of the Denver sports radio station, which has continually reshuffled its lineup in recent years.

Broncos Super Bowl 50 champion defensive lineman Derek Wolfe left 104.3 The Fan in July. Wolfe had served as co-host of "The Drive" with McKee since October 2022.

Last October, Wolfe replaced his former Broncos teammate Tyler Polumbus as co-host on the radio program.

Polumbus, a former Colorado Buffaloes team captain and Cherry Creek High School graduate, left KKFN-FM in September 2022. Polumbus joined the new midday "P.H.D." show on Altitude Sports Radio 92.5 FM with Scott Hastings and Dover last October.

Departed cohosts of The Drive in recent years also include former Bronco and Buffalo Alfred "Big Al" Williams (now at 850 KOA), former Broncos safety Nick Ferguson (also at 850 KOA), and former Bronco lineman Tom Nalen.


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