KGUN Channel 9 Sports Director Dave Silver is wrapping up his nearly three decades on local air next week. He's leaving KGUN to take a position in regional development with the University of Arizona Foundation, where he'll start Jan. 3.
Silver said he's been pursuing the job for six months because he's been looking for a career change and the opportunity to work more stable hours.
"It will be a big lifestyle change," Silver said. "I'll be working, primarily, an 8-to-5 job and have a little more spare time on weekends and holidays. I've got two grown kids, and it will be nice to be able to pick up and visit them whenever I feel like it."
Silver has worked at KGUN since 1983. He spent the first 18 months as a weekend sports anchor before moving to weekdays.
A 1979 San Diego State University grad, Silver previously worked in San Luis Obispo, Calif., and Palm Springs, Calif. He worked six months in radio before moving to TV.
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"I'm making a conscious decision to make a change and do something different," Silver said. "I'm thrilled that the UA is this confident in me, to let me learn on the job."
Silver said he'll be assigned regions of the country in which he'll travel and meet face-to-face with UA alumni and solicit donations and other ways they can help the school.
His last day is Dec. 23. After Silver leaves, Jake Knapp will fill in for him on an interim basis. KGUN news director Forrest Carr said he's not yet sure what the station will do to permanently replace Silver.
"We hate to see Dave go," Carr said. "He's an icon. He's been here a long time. We know he's going to do really well in his new role and we're glad to see he'll put his sports contacts and experience to use."
Six years ago, Silver figured he had done more than 9,000 Tucson newscasts - 220 days per year, twice a day, plus about 150 days as a weekend anchor.
"I think of Dave and look at him as one of the good guys," said KVOA Channel 4 sports director Ryan Recker. "He's just a really good guy. I always enjoyed talking to Dave, picking his brain and what went on in his past."
Recker, who said news of Silver's departure took him by surprise, said Silver was seen as the dean of Tucson sportscasters.
"Not to knock his age, but he's old enough to tell us what went on back in the day," Recker said, adding that he thinks viewers find Silver reliable because of his experience.
Silver says he leaves with no regrets.
"I went to all four Final Fours, the World Series, two Super Bowls, the college softball world series, baseball playoffs - everything you can do in sports," Silver said. "It's been terrific."
Patrick Finley contributed to this story. Contact reporter Phil Villarreal at 573-4130 or pvillarreal@azstarnet.com
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