Tony Dungy out at NBC after 17 years - Who could replace him on Football Night in America?

After nearly two decades on television, Hall of Fame coach Tony Dungy confirmed this week that he will not return to NBC’s NFL studio coverage.

Dungy had served as a key analyst on Football Night in America, the pregame show for Sunday Night Football, since joining the network in 2009 after his retirement from coaching. But ahead of the 2026 NFL season, NBC appears to be reshaping its flagship broadcast, and Dungy is among the most notable changes.

But why did NBC decided to move on from Dungy, and who might replace him?

Why Tony Dungy is leaving NBC

Dungy was not “fired” for a single incident. Instead, reports indicate the move is part of a revamp of NBC’s NFL studio programming ahead of the upcoming season.

NBC’s Football Night in America has long featured a large group of analysts and contributors. The network is reportedly looking to streamline the show and potentially change how it presents pregame coverage. Several analysts’ contracts also expired following the Super Bowl, giving NBC an opportunity to reshape the lineup.

Dungy confirmed the news himself, saying he was disappointed but grateful for his time with the network after 17 seasons on the program.

Who could replace Tony Dungy?

NBC has not yet announced a direct replacement, but there are several possibilities already on the network’s roster. One option would be to expand the roles of analysts already appearing on the show, such as:

• Devin McCourty
• Jason Garrett
• Chris Simms

All three have appeared in studio segments or analysis roles for NBC’s NFL coverage. Another possibility is that NBC brings in a recently retired player or coach, a common move for networks looking to refresh their coverage with new perspectives.

The network could also reduce the number of analysts altogether if it chooses to streamline the broadcast.

What the change means for NBC

Dungy has been one of the most recognizable voices on NBC’s NFL coverage for more than a decade. Before joining television, he built a Hall of Fame coaching career that included leading the Indianapolis Colts to a victory in Super Bowl XLI, becoming the first Black head coach to win a Super Bowl.

His calm, analytical style helped shape NBC’s studio coverage during the rise of Sunday Night Football as the most-watched weekly program in American television.

But networks frequently refresh studio shows to keep coverage feeling current, especially as competition from streaming and alternative broadcasts grows.

What’s next for Tony Dungy?

Dungy, who turns 71 later this year, speculated on his next move in his social media post, saying he wasn’t sure if it would involve “football broadcasting, or getting more involved in church and community outreach”.

His long career in football as a player, coach and broadcaster means opportunities are likely to remain available. Either way, the upcoming NFL season will look different on NBC without one of its longest-tenured analysts.

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