Screen Shot 2013-05-28 at 1.38.33 PMWhen Atlanta sports talk radio host and Philly-native John Kincade left ESPN Radio in December to go to CBS, where he currently hosts a nationally syndicated show on the CBS Sports Radio Network (which includes WIP) in addition to his show on Atlanta’s 680 The Fan, a few industry folks told me that they thought Kincade was trying to align himself with CBS so he could eventually make a transition back to WIP, where his career started. I’ve also heard that there may be some interest on the part of The Fanatic and WIP to bring Kincade back to Philly.

Today, Kincade reached out to me about being a guest on his CBS show this Sunday for a segment that focuses on new media in sports (Sunday morning around 9 a.m.– can be heard on WIP). So I figured I’d ask him about what I’ve been hearing. He was happy to take my questions, and while he wouldn’t confirm that there was any interest on his part, or from the local stations, to return to Philly… he didn’t exactly refute my assertion that it would be a good fit for him when his contract is up in Atlanta in 2014.

“Since I’m a Philly guy that does national radio and there’s very few Philly voices there, people have always thought I would go home at one point… that somewhere I would end up back in Philadelphia,” he told me. “It’s flattering and I stay closely in touch with Philly community, but the timing has never been right.”

That’s hardly a denial of what I was hearing.

Kincade was mostly “honored” that his name seems to come up so often, and he gushed about Philly, but he also made it clear that he’s perfectly happy in Atlanta:

“I have tons of family in Philly. My mom still lives there. I’m an O’Hara and Temple guy– it’s my hometown. I’m flattered that my name comes up. Every time my contract runs out, my name always comes up. I have a great situation in Atlanta, but I would be lying to you if I didn’t say that the thought of [returning to Philly] has always intrigued me.”

“I have lots of friends working at both stations. I’m familiar with both program directors and much of the on-air talent. But I’ve been on the air in Atlanta since 1995. I have a great situation here, so I feel very blessed. Not many people get to work in two great places. I’m totally honored that my national work is on WIP, where Angelo first put me on the air, where I was an intern for Howard Eskin. The greatest honor in my pro career is when my work gets to appear on stations in Philly where family and friends get to hear it.”

Kincade also made it clear that he wasn’t gunning for anyone’s job in Philly and that he is very close with the WIP Morning Show folks, who frequently have him on as a guest.

My take? The industry folks I spoke with were on to something. Kincade didn’t seem to mind talking about how much he loves it here and admitted that he was intrigued by the possibility of coming back. It might take a lot (of money) to get him, but I wouldn’t be shocked if there was a new big-name radio host in Philly next year.