Tony Dungy Likely Out as Regular on NBC’s ‘Football Night in America’

Lead

Hall of Famer Tony Dungy, after 17 seasons with NBC’s Football Night in America, is likely to lose his regular on-air slot as the network plans a significant revamp of its Sunday pregame show, sources told The Athletic via the New York Times. The change is among the first moves in a broader reshuffle intended to streamline the program and possibly take more shows on the road next season. NBC has not confirmed final decisions and has declined public comment, and Dungy had not been fully briefed at the time of reporting. The network may still offer reduced or emeritus appearances similar to past arrangements for veteran broadcasters.

Key Takeaways

• NBC plans a major revamp of Football Night in America after the 2025–26 season; the show has run in its current form for more than a decade and remains the highest-rated Sunday pregame program.
• Tony Dungy, 70, is expected to be removed as a regular contributor after 17 seasons with the show, though no final contract decisions were announced.
• Multiple studio analyst contracts reportedly expired after the most recent Super Bowl; ex-player analysts affected include Devin McCourty, Jason Garrett, Chris Simms, Rodney Harrison and Dungy.
• NBC’s core production group still includes host Maria Taylor and contributors Mike Florio, Matthew Berry, Jac Collinsworth and Steve Kornacki; Collinsworth, Dungy and Harrison traveled for road shows last season.
• The network is considering a slimmer, more mobile cast and may shift to on-site pregame production for selected weeks, a move that would raise logistical and personnel questions.
• Potential high-profile TV targets such as Mike Tomlin, Travis Kelce and Aaron Rodgers are either unlikely or uncertain to join immediately because of playing status or reluctance to move into broadcasting.
• There remains a small possibility NBC reverses course; sources say no definitive, signed changes were in place as of the report.

Background

Football Night in America has been NBC’s flagship Sunday pregame show and a ratings anchor because it sits between late-afternoon windows on CBS and Fox and NBC’s Sunday night game. Over its run the program has mixed studio-based analysis with location shows tied to marquee games and the Super Bowl. For many years the series relied on a mix of veteran broadcasters and recently retired players to provide game breakdowns, analysis and feature storytelling.

NBC’s strategy is influenced by broader changes in television sports production: audiences increasingly value on-site presentation for big games, while production costs and talent contracts drive periodic roster re-evaluations. Several veteran contracts reportedly lapsed after the Super Bowl, giving NBC a natural point to reconfigure the roster. Network precedents exist for designated emeritus roles—high-profile names have been shifted to limited contributions while preserving brand association.

Main Event

Sources briefed on NBC’s plans told The Athletic that Dungy is among the first likely departures in the planned makeover of Football Night in America. The report says NBC is exploring a leaner cast and the option to stage more pregame shows on the road next season; those changes would alter staffing needs and on-air roles. Network executives reportedly view the changes as necessary to refresh the program’s format despite its strong ratings.

Many of the show’s ex-player analysts—Dungy, Devin McCourty, Jason Garrett, Chris Simms and Rodney Harrison—had contracts that ended after the Super Bowl, creating an opportunity for reshuffling. NBC still retains a set of established contributors: Maria Taylor hosts, with Mike Florio providing insider reporting, Matthew Berry working fantasy analysis, Jac Collinsworth on-field reporting and Steve Kornacki handling statistics. Collinsworth, Dungy and Harrison formed the traveling contingent this past season, appearing on location for marquee events.

According to sources, Dungy had not been fully informed of a definitive change at the time of reporting, leaving a narrow window for the network to reconsider. One possible outcome under discussion is an emeritus arrangement—reduced, occasional appearances while retaining Dungy’s association with NBC—which the network has used for veterans such as Bob Costas and Al Michaels in prior transitions. NBC declined to comment publicly when contacted by reporters.

Analysis & Implications

A move to slim the pregame cast would lower payroll and simplify travel logistics if NBC pursues more on-site shows; road productions require smaller, more mobile crews but demand greater planning and coordination. That trade-off can improve viewer engagement during marquee weeks but raises seasonal staffing complexity and may reduce the breadth of on-air voices in a sport that benefits from diverse perspectives.

Removing a long-tenured, recognizable analyst like Dungy carries reputational risk for NBC. Dungy is a Hall of Famer with a coaching résumé that includes a Super Bowl title with the Indianapolis Colts (Super Bowl XLI over the Chicago Bears, played in February 2007). Viewers often develop loyalty to familiar commentators, and abrupt changes can prompt backlash; offering emeritus roles is one strategy networks use to soften transitions.

Strategically, NBC’s options for high-profile replacements are limited. Potential stars cited in coverage—former coaches such as Mike Tomlin, active players like Travis Kelce and Aaron Rodgers, or recently retired stars—face barriers: Tomlin has shown limited interest in TV; Kelce has indicated a preference for play-by-play if he moves to broadcasting and also intends to play another season; Rodgers and others may also continue playing. That constrained talent pool complicates a rapid, high-visibility overhaul.

Comparison & Data

The table summarizes names and the reporting that several ex-player analyst contracts ended after the Super Bowl. Taking the show primarily on the road would likely reduce the number of regular, studio-based analysts and favor multi-role contributors who can travel. This kind of roster consolidation has financial benefits but can narrow analytical perspectives unless the network rotates guest analysts.

Reactions & Quotes

“We are evaluating our studio show strategy and how best to present the NFL to today’s audience—no final decisions have been announced.”

NBC (declined public comment via network spokesperson)

“Networks often refresh lineups when contracts end; emeritus arrangements are a common way to keep veteran voices while changing daily responsibilities.”

Media industry analyst (comment to reporters)

“Tony Dungy has been a steady presence for viewers for nearly two decades; any change will be noticed by long-time fans.”

Sports broadcasting observer (independent)

Unconfirmed

• No finalized, signed decisions had been publicly announced at the time of reporting; NBC’s plans were described as under consideration rather than completed.
• It is unconfirmed whether NBC will formally offer Dungy an emeritus title or what terms such an arrangement would include.
• Targeted hires reported as possibilities—Mike Tomlin, Travis Kelce, Cam Heyward, Kirk Cousins, Aaron Rodgers—remain speculative and depend on those individuals’ playing decisions and personal interest in broadcasting.

Bottom Line

NBC’s reported plan to streamline Football Night in America could end Tony Dungy’s role as a weekly analyst after 17 seasons, reflecting a broader industry push toward leaner, more mobile production models. The network faces trade-offs: refreshing the product while retaining the veteran voices that have built audience trust. Any roster change will be judged both on short-term ratings impact and long-term brand value.

Because several contracts lapsed after the Super Bowl and NBC declined to confirm moves, outcomes remain fluid; viewers should expect an official announcement only after the network finalizes deals. For now, Dungy’s long tenure and high profile mean whatever path NBC chooses will be closely watched by fans, colleagues and media observers.

Sources

• The Athletic via The New York Times — news report citing people briefed on NBC’s plans
• Pro Football Hall of Fame — official institution (context on voting and Hall practices)