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NBC Revamps Football Night: Simms Out, Tomlin In

4/28/2026

36 7 Full Breakdown

Summary

Simms Exits

Chris Simms (former quarterback) announced on April 27, 2026, that he will not return to NBC’s “Football Night in America”.
NBC added Mike Tomlin (former Steelers coach) as a studio analyst and will shift the show to an on-site format at Sunday Night Football venues for 2026.
Tony Dungy (former head coach) confirmed in March 2026 that he will not return, while Rodney Harrison’s (former defensive back) status remains in question.

Summary

Tomlin Joins NBC

NBC hired Mike Tomlin, beating FOX, which had been the favorite to replace Jimmy Johnson on FOX NFL Sunday.
Tomlin said his relationship with NFL insider Jay Glazer helped his decision to join NBC.
Tomlin added the role lets him stay connected to the game by traveling to different venues.
Chris Simms said removal from “Football Night in America” hurt, while fantasy analyst Matthew Berry also left, indicating broader turnover.

Summary

Simms Leaves NBC

Simms, a Franklin Lakes native and Ramapo High quarterback, announced his exit on April 27 during Pro Football Talk Live with Florio.
He played at the University of Texas before a seven-year NFL stint as a backup.
He is the son of quarterback and broadcaster Phil Simms, extending a family media legacy.
He spent ten years with NBC Sports, beginning with Notre Dame coverage in 2016 and moving to NFL analysis.

History

Historical Context

When NBC secured the NFL’s Sunday Night Football rights in 2006 with a $1.5 billion contract, it debuted “Football Night in America” featuring analysts John Madden, Cris Collinsworth and Joe Theismann. The network’s later analyst swaps—Collinsworth taking over after Madden’s 2009 retirement—illustrate how NBC repeatedly revamps its on-air talent to sustain the ratings boost the 2006 deal gave it.

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Simms Exits

Chris Simms (former quarterback) announced on April 27, 2026, that he will not return to NBC’s “Football Night in America”.
NBC added Mike Tomlin (former Steelers coach) as a studio analyst and will shift the show to an on-site format at Sunday Night Football venues for 2026.
Tony Dungy (former head coach) confirmed in March 2026 that he will not return, while Rodney Harrison’s (former defensive back) status remains in question.

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