Sports fans across Chicago wake up to a familiar voice every morning — David Haugh’s straightforward commentary cuts through the noise on 670 The Score. The 55-year-old broadcaster spent nearly two decades as the Chicago Tribune’s most recognized sports columnist before making the jump to radio. His journey from a small Indiana town to Chicago’s biggest sports stage shows how authentic reporting and honest opinions can build lasting credibility.
Who is David Haugh?
David Haugh co-hosts the morning show “Mully & Haugh” on 670 The Score (WSCR), Chicago’s premier sports radio station. Born on May 22, 1968, he carved out his reputation during an 18-year run at the Chicago Tribune, where he wrote the prestigious “In the Wake of the News” column and covered the Chicago Bears extensively. His transition from print journalism to radio broadcasting reflects the broader media landscape shift, but Haugh’s direct approach and Midwestern sensibility remain unchanged.
The former Ball State safety brings a unique perspective to Chicago sports coverage. He combines his playing experience with sharp journalistic instincts developed over decades of beat reporting. His move from newspaper columns to daily radio conversations expanded his reach while maintaining the credible voice that Tribune readers trusted for nearly two decades.
Early Life and Small-Town Roots
North Judson, Indiana, shaped Haugh’s character long before he became a household name in Chicago sports media. This small town of fewer than 2,000 people instilled values that still show in his reporting style — direct questions, honest assessments, and respect for hard work. His early exposure to local radio at WKVI gave him his first taste of broadcasting, an experience that would prove valuable decades later.
At Ball State University, Haugh played safety for the Cardinals while studying journalism. His dual role as student-athlete provided a firsthand understanding of college sports pressures. This background helps him connect with players and coaches in ways that pure observers cannot. The combination of athletic participation and academic focus on journalism created the foundation for his later success covering professional sports.
His time at Northwestern’s prestigious Medill School of Journalism refined his writing skills and introduced him to Chicago’s media landscape. The graduate program’s emphasis on ethical reporting and clear communication became hallmarks of his career. Medill’s connections also opened doors that led to his first significant newspaper position.
Learning the Trade — South Bend and Early Reporting
The South Bend Tribune provided Haugh’s first major journalism opportunity, where he covered Notre Dame football and learned the intricacies of beat reporting. Working in South Bend meant dealing with one of college football’s most scrutinized programs, teaching him how to handle pressure from fans, administrators, and coaches who weren’t always pleased with critical coverage.
His Notre Dame years taught him the importance of building sources while maintaining journalistic independence. Covering Fighting Irish football requires balancing respect for tradition with honest assessment of performance. This experience proved invaluable when he later faced similar challenges covering the Chicago Bears, another organization with passionate fans and high expectations.
The Chicago Tribune Chapter
Joining the Chicago Tribune in 2002 marked Haugh’s entry into major-market sports journalism. The Tribune’s sports section was already legendary, and taking over the “In the Wake of the News” column meant following in the footsteps of Chicago journalism giants. This column, with its rich history dating back to Hugh Fullerton, required both sports knowledge and cultural awareness of Chicago’s unique relationship with its teams.
His Bears coverage defined much of his Tribune tenure. Chicago Bears fans don’t accept mediocrity, and Haugh’s willingness to criticize poor performance while recognizing genuine effort earned him credibility. His columns during the Bears’ various coaching changes, quarterback controversies, and playoff runs captured the frustration and hope that define Chicago football fandom.
Haugh’s writing style stood out for its clarity and directness. He avoided flowery language in favor of sharp analysis backed by solid reporting. His columns often featured quotes that other reporters missed because sources trusted his fair representation of their comments. This trust became crucial during sensitive stories about player conflicts, coaching decisions, and front office moves.
Why He Left Print — Transition to Radio & TV
The media landscape was changing rapidly during Haugh’s later Tribune years. Newspaper circulation declined while digital platforms gained prominence. Radio offered a chance to reach audiences in real-time while maintaining the analytical depth that defined his columns. The move to 670 The Score in 2018 represented both personal opportunity and industry evolution.
His departure from the Tribune surprised many longtime readers who associated his byline with Chicago sports coverage. However, radio allowed for more immediate fan interaction and deeper conversation about developing stories. The daily format of morning radio suited his personality and provided a platform for the kind of ongoing commentary that newspaper deadlines often restricted.
The Mully & Haugh Show — What Changed
Partnering with Mike Mulligan on the morning show required adjusting his communication style from written analysis to conversational back-and-forth. Radio demands quicker responses and more personality than newspaper writing. The show’s success stems from the chemistry between Mulligan’s broadcasting experience and Haugh’s journalistic background.
Daily radio also changed how Haugh interacts with news as it develops. Instead of waiting for evening deadlines, he can respond immediately to trades, signings, and breaking stories. This immediacy appeals to sports fans who want instant analysis rather than next-day reflection.
Style, Scoops, and What He’s Known For
Haugh built his reputation on asking difficult questions that other reporters avoided. His interviews often produced newsworthy quotes because subjects respected his preparation and fair treatment of their responses. During Bears press conferences, coaches and players knew Haugh would ask about strategy and performance issues that fans wanted addressed.
His most memorable columns often combined statistical analysis with human interest elements. He understood that Chicago sports fans care about numbers but connect emotionally with stories about effort, character, and community impact. This balance made his writing accessible to casual fans while satisfying serious sports analysts.
Social media expanded his reach beyond traditional newspaper and radio audiences. His Twitter presence allows for quick reactions to developing stories while maintaining the thoughtful approach that defines his longer-form work. Followers appreciate his willingness to engage respectfully with disagreeing opinions while standing firm on well-researched positions.
Personal Notes — Life Beyond the Mic
Despite his public profile, Haugh maintains connections to his Indiana roots. He often references small-town values during broadcasts, reminding listeners that professional sports ultimately reflect broader themes about teamwork, preparation, and accountability. This perspective helps ground his coverage in relatable concepts rather than insider baseball.
His social media activity shows someone who genuinely enjoys sports beyond professional obligations. He shares observations about college games, minor league baseball, and high school athletics that reveal authentic enthusiasm for competition at all levels. This breadth of interest enhances his credibility when discussing professional sports within the larger athletic landscape.
Legacy and What He’s Doing Now
Haugh continues co-hosting the morning show on 670 The Score, providing Chicago sports fans with daily analysis and commentary. His current role combines the investigative skills developed during his newspaper years with the conversational accessibility that radio demands. The show regularly ranks among Chicago’s top-rated sports programs, proving that thoughtful analysis still attracts audiences despite the media’s trend toward sensational content.
His influence extends beyond individual broadcasts or columns. Young journalists in Chicago often cite Haugh as an example of how to maintain integrity while building audience connection. His career path from small-town reporter to major-market columnist to radio host demonstrates that adaptability and consistent quality can sustain media careers despite industry changes.
From North Judson’s local radio station to Chicago’s premier sports talk show, David Haugh’s journey reflects both personal determination and the evolving nature of sports media. His voice remains as direct and honest as it was during those early Tribune columns, proving that authentic communication transcends platform changes. Chicago sports fans continue tuning in because they trust his judgment, knowing he’ll deliver the straight talk they expect from their most reliable sports commentator.
