Tony Dungy Expected to Depart NBC’s ‘Football Night in America’
Tony Dungy is expected to leave NBC’s “Football Night in America” after 17 seasons. This change is part of a broader revamp of NBC’s NFL pregame show, according to sources familiar with the situation. Despite being the highest-rated Sunday pregame show in the United States, NBC is considering a new look for the program.
Possible Changes to NBC’s NFL Pregame Show
The network may take the show on the road next season and reduce the cast size. While sources indicate that final decisions have yet to be made, there is still a slim chance that NBC might retain Dungy in a lesser role, similar to what was offered to other sports commentators in the past.
Current Cast and Analyst Contracts
Contracts for several NBC studio analysts, including Dungy, came to an end following the Super Bowl. Key figures in the current lineup include:
- Tony Dungy
- Devin McCourty
- Jason Garrett
- Chris Simms
- Rodney Harrison
- Host Maria Taylor
- Insider Mike Florio
- Fantasy analyst Matthew Berry
- Reporter Jac Collinsworth
- Statistician Steve Kornacki
During the recent season, Dungy and Harrison traveled with Collinsworth while the remaining crew operated from the studio. Notably, the trio visited Alcatraz for the Super Bowl pregame coverage.
Potential Analysts for NBC
As NBC contemplates potential replacements, it faces challenges in attracting new talent. Some of the rumored candidates include:
- Mike Tomlin, former Pittsburgh Steelers coach
- Travis Kelce, Kansas City Chiefs star
- Cam Heyward, appearing on NBC’s Super Bowl pregame
- Kirk Cousins, anticipated to be released by the Atlanta Falcons
- Aaron Rodgers, considering continued play with a team
Tony Dungy’s Career Highlights
Dungy, who is now 70 years old, has been a prominent figure in the NFL. He played three seasons as a defensive back, contributing to the 1979 Super Bowl-winning Pittsburgh Steelers. As a head coach, he led the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and the Indianapolis Colts. Dungy is particularly renowned for guiding the Colts to a Super Bowl triumph over the Chicago Bears in 2007.
His connection to the competitive rivalry with Bill Belichick and the New England Patriots, particularly during the “Deflategate” scandal, has kept him in the spotlight. Dungy, who participated in the voting for the Pro Football Hall of Fame Class of 2026, was notably silent on whether he voted for Belichick.
NBC has not publicly commented on the situation regarding Dungy or the revamping of their NFL pregame show. Changes to the lineup will undoubtedly be closely monitored by fans and analysts alike.
