Sean McManus as the Godfather? Not exactly the Marlon Brando type.

But the CBS Sports chairman did make Doug Gottlieb an offer he ultimately couldn’t refuse.

“Sean said, ‘This is what I want to do and I want you to be a part of it,'” Gottlieb said Tuesday afternoon. “It wasn’t just tempting. It was an honor.”

McManus and CBS lured Gottlieb away from ESPN with a package that includes his own 3-6 p.m. (ET) radio show. The network debuts on Jan. 2.

He got other terrific goodies, such as working the NCAA tournament and Final Four as a game and studio analyst for CBS. Gottlieb also is going to host a show on the CBS Sports Network.

All in all, it is an excellent deal with a myriad of opportunities. Yet when I chatted with Gottlieb Tuesday, he definitely had conflicting emotions about leaving ESPN, his home for the last nine years.

“At some point you have to step out of the nest and see if the wings work,” Gottlieb said.

Here’s my Q/A.

What made you decide to go to CBS?

I wasn’t looking for another job. I wanted to make a little more money. ESPN made an incredible offer.

CBS then came in and said, ‘What if you could do your radio show from California (where he was raised and still has family)? What if you could be done by 3 in the afternoon (to allow him to get home to spend time with his three young kids)? What if you come back at 7:30 to do your own TV show? And what if we throw out the golden carrot of NCAA basketball?

I was very torn. ESPN helped create me. I’m very loyal. But all the stars aligned for me to go back to Orange County.

How much did getting a chance to work the NCAA tournament sway you?

I consider the tournament the holy grail. Whether it is sweeping the floor or calling a game. Whatever they want me to do.

I’m not looking to replace anyone. I’m just going to be added to the mix. I think I bring something different to the table.

How does it feel to be a cornerstone of CBS’ new sports radio network?

It feels great. A substantial number of people know my radio style. I’m very coachable, but I know what works in sports radio.

ESPN is a juggernaut. I respect that. I don’t expect it to be easy. But CBS and Cumulus Media have a good plan.

What is the plan for the TV show?

They asked me not to give out the details. It’ll be all sports. I’m not going to try to out-ESPN. The show should be unique and fun.

Much like Jim Rome, you’re leaving the biggest sports network for a network that barely is on people’s radar. How will it feel playing to much a smaller audience?

I asked people (who left ESPN) what it was like to go to a smaller network. They’ve had success going somewhere else.

Listen, I love to work. I love to talk about sports. One thing I pride myself in is that I put everything into it. I don’t care if five people are watching. They’re going to get a good show.