Sipu Jha
NBC is heading toward a serious makeover of its Sunday night NFL coverage. The network wants a fresh look at “Football Night in America” before the 2026 season. That push for change could end a long and steady chapter.After 17 seasons on air, Tony Dungy may be on his way out. The timing is awkward. NBC hoped to plug in bigger active names. Instead, two of its top targets have shown little desire to step into a studio chair. And surprisingly, those targets were none other than Travis Kelce and Mike Tomlin.
Mike Tomlin and Travis Kelce are reluctant as NBC reshapes its NFL desk
The Athletic’s Andrew Marchand reported that Hall of Famer Tony Dungy is “likely out” as a regular on NBC’s pregame show. Marchand cited sources briefed on the move and said the network plans a revamp.“Hall of Famer Tony Dungy is likely out as a regular on ‘Football Night in America’ after 17 seasons, as NBC plans to revamp its NFL pregame show, sources briefed on the move told The Athletic,” Andrew Marchand wrote. NBC has not announced a decision. Dungy also has not been fully informed, leaving a narrow opening for a reduced role similar to past arrangements with Bob Costas and Al Michaels.Dungy joined NBC in 2009 after a Super Bowl-winning coaching run with the Indianapolis Colts. He built a reputation for calm analysis and credibility. Over the years, however, the panel expanded. Recent seasons featured Devin McCourty, Jason Garrett, Chris Simms, Rodney Harrison, Maria Taylor, Mike Florio, Matthew Berry, Jac Collinsworth and Steve Kornacki. NBC now appears ready to trim the table and reset the tone.The network first looked at headline names. Mike Tomlin remains central to talk about the next phase of his career. In January 2026, ESPN insider Peter Schrager said during NFL coverage that “there’s a chair waiting” for Tomlin on television and added that strong money would follow if he wanted it. Despite that, Tomlin seems focused on coaching again rather than shifting to broadcasting.Then comes Travis Kelce. Retirement chatter has followed him after another demanding season, yet people close to the situation expect him to return to the Kansas City Chiefs. His career still carries weight on the field. Marchand reported that if Kelce ever enters the media, he would rather call games from the booth than sit on a studio panel. That preference does not align with NBC’s current needs.NBC wants star presence and a sharper structure. Without Tomlin or Kelce stepping in, the network must decide whether to lean on fresh faces or rethink its strategy altogether. For now, Dungy’s future stands at the centre of that crossroads.
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