Full Breakdown
Chris Simms Departs NBC's “Football Night in America” After Mike Tomlin Hire
4/28/2026, 4:34:03 AM
Simms' Exit from NBC's Flagship NFL Pre-game Show
On April 27 2026, former NFL quarterback Chris Simms, the son of former Giants quarterback Phil Simms, announced on the “Pro Football Talk Live” podcast that he would not return to NBC’s “Football Night in America” (FNIA) for the upcoming season. Simms, a regular analyst since 2019, said he will stay on as co-host of PFT Live and continue his “Chris Simms Unbuttoned” podcast.
NBC's 2026 FNIA Overhaul
NBC is overhauling FNIA for 2026, adding former Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin as a studio analyst and moving the broadcast from a Connecticut studio to on-site locations at each Sunday Night Football game. The revised panel also includes host Maria Taylor, former Cowboys coach Jason Garrett and former safety Devin McCourty. Hall of Fame coach Tony Dungy also confirmed his departure in March 2026.
Timeline of Key Changes
2016 – Simms joins NBC for Notre Dame coverage. 2019 – Becomes regular FNIA analyst. March 2026 – Tony Dungy announces he will not return. April 26 2026 – Tomlin discusses his new analyst role. April 27 2026 – Simms confirms his exit from FNIA.
Official Statements & Network Response
Tomlin said joining NBC would let him stay close to the game and interact with players, coaches and executives, while noting some anxiety about moving into a studio role. NBC confirmed the on-the-road format for 2026 and said Simms will retain his college-football and digital duties. Dungy called his exit disappointing but thanked NBC for a 17-year tenure.
Criticism & Personal Reactions
Simms said the decision hurt him because he loved the show, expressing disappointment. Dungy’s comment echoed similar sentiment. Observers noted NBC’s push for “current star power” appears to have driven the reshuffle, leaving analysts Rodney Harrison and Jac Collinsworth in uncertain roles.
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
Sources disagree on whether Simms’ removal was directly tied to Tomlin’s hiring or part of a broader revamp. *The Athletic* reported Tomlin was initially a FOX favorite before NBC secured him; other outlets attribute the change to a desire for fresh on-air talent. NBC has not detailed the specific rationale for Simms’ exclusion.
Verbatim Quotes
- “I’m not on the show anymore, Mike,” — Chris Simms, former FNIA analyst
- “That hurt because I do love it.” — Chris Simms, former FNIA analyst
- “It’s disappointing news but I want to thank my NBC family for making the last 17 years so special.” — Tony Dungy, former FNIA analyst
What’s Next for FNIA and Simms
Starting in the 2026 season, FNIA will broadcast from each Sunday Night Football stadium, with Tomlin joining the studio panel. Simms will continue as a college-football analyst, PFT Live co-host, and podcast host, while the future of other analysts remains unsettled pending further NBC announcements.
