Ex-Chargers announcer Bauer finds new NFL broadcasting gig

Hank Bauer didn't need long to find a new announcing home.

Sports USA announced Tuesday that the long-time San Diego Chargers radio analyst will be serving as a color commentator for its NFL broadcasts during the 2015 season.

As first reported by FOX Sports last Saturday, the popular Bauer didn't have his announcing contract renewed by San Diego's radio broadcast partner (Clear Channel Media and Extra 1360-AM Radio in San Diego).

Bauer's dismissal may have stemmed from a controversy last August when he made what was perceived as anti-Semitic joke during a preseason game broadcast. Bauer apologized and served a one-game suspension before returning to call San Diego's entire 2014 campaign.

A replacement for Bauer on the Chargers radio broadcast team hasn't been announced.

Sports USA presents a doubleheader NFL radio broadcast during each Sunday of the regular season to more than 400 affiliate stations. Bauer joins a crew of analysts that includes former quarterback Jake Plummer, ex-Chicago Bears defensive back Doug Plank, and long-time college and NFL coach John Robinson.

Bauer, 60, joined San Diego's announcing team in 1998. He was a Chargers fullback from 1977-82 and built a reputation as one of the NFL's top special-teams players. He then coached special teams with the Chargers from 1983-86 before venturing into television broadcasting.