Lopez had worked since November 2006 for Clear Channel Radio's KBME (790 AM) alongside Ted DeLuca.

Lopez said he had been working without a contract at Clear Channel since the first of the year and hopes to begin his new job as soon as possible. The former Chronicle columnist fills the vacancy created earlier this year when Andre Ware left the station to assume expanded duties with ESPN.

“I think Marc and I will be a perfect balance,” Lopez said. “Everybody knows his style and my style, and I think I can be maybe more of the lightning rod and he can be himself and we can have a lot of fun.”

Vandermeer expects the show to be an “awesome pairing” that will be “harmonious, yet with friction.”

Michael Berry, Clear Channel's director of AM programming, said DeLuca will continue with the split morning and afternoon shifts surrounding the syndicated Dan Patrick show. He also said the station will commence a search for a new host that will include the chance for callers and listeners to work an on-air shift.

Berry said candidates can contact him through the station's Web site.

Gavin Spittle, KILT's program director, confirmed that Brad Davies, the former 790 AM host, Barry Warner and former Texans defender N.D. Kalu have been hired to work weekends.