Gruden replacing Kornheiser on 'Monday Night Football'

Kornheiser is stepping down after three years in the "MNF" booth. In the ESPN statement announcing the move, Kornheiser cited his fear of flying, and the increased need for him to travel via air this season, as his reason for stepping aside.

Former NFL coach Jon Gruden will replace Tony Kornheiser this fall on ESPN's broadcasts of Monday Night Football, ESPN said Monday.

"I grew up a fan of Monday Night Football, and whether I’ve coached on Monday night or watched, I’ve hardly missed a game all these years. To join Mike and Jaws in the booth and to work alongside this top-notch team is going to be a real thrill," Gruden said in the statement.

"My fear of planes is legendary and sadly true. When I looked at the upcoming schedule it was the perfect storm that would've frequently moved me from the bus to the air," Kornheiser said in the statement.

Gruden will join Mike Tirico and Ron Jaworski this season, the 40th season of "MNF."