CBS Sports Announces Major Broadcasting Team Changes

The face of NFL broadcasting is shifting as CBS Sports undergoes significant changes with the departure of the iconic Boomer Esiason and Phil Simms. These changes will surely redefine the network’s future experience for the audiences. As familiar faces exit and new talent steps in, CBS Sports braces for a new era of leadership and innovation.

End of an Era

Boomer Esiason and Phil Simms have concluded their tenure on CBS Sports’ NFL pregame show, a change revealed by Esiason on his radio broadcast. He expressed surprise at the longevity of his 22-year stint, attributing much of his success to Sean McManus, the outgoing CBS Sports Chairman who originally recruited him.

A New Chapter

Phil Simms, after a 26-year journey with CBS Sports and a distinguished career that includes two Super Bowl victories, is ready to embrace future opportunities. His departure coincides with McManus’s retirement, marking a significant transitional period for the network.

Passing the Torch

Matt Ryan, the former Atlanta Falcons quarterback and 2016 NFL MVP, steps in as the new face of CBS Sports’ NFL coverage following his retirement from professional football. He shared his excitement about joining “The NFL Today,” a show he grew up watching, and his eagerness to uphold the high standards set by his predecessors.

Longstanding Contributions

Phil Simms and Boomer Esiason have been pivotal in shaping the analytical depth of CBS Sports’ NFL coverage. David Berson, CBS Sports president and CEO, praised their exemplary dedication and significant impact on the network’s sports broadcasting.

A Fresh Addition

David Berson also highlighted Matt Ryan’s seamless transition into broadcasting, praising his first year as both a game and studio analyst. Ryan’s rapport with the team and his all-around professionalism have set high expectations for his role in enhancing the viewer experience during NFL games.

Stability Amid Change

Despite the changes, familiar faces like Bill Cowher, Nate Burleson, JJ Watt, and host James Brown will continue to anchor “The NFL Today.” Their continued presence ensures consistency and expertise on the show as CBS Sports ushers in a new era.

Fond Farewells

JJ Watt took to social media to honor the careers of Phil Simms and Boomer Esiason, describing them as legends whose presence will be deeply missed. He expressed gratitude for their support and professionalism during his time with them last season.

Welcoming the New

In a light-hearted post, Watt welcomed Matt Ryan to the team, joking about Ryan’s lack of a verified status on X despite his accolades. He quipped that joining “The NFL Today” might finally earn Ryan the elusive blue check mark.

A Major Transition

The departure of Simms and Esiason marks the most significant change to “The NFL Today” since 2014, when analysts Shannon Sharpe and Dan Marino exited the show. This shift coincides with Sean McManus’s retirement, closing a notable chapter in CBS Sports history.

Revitalizing CBS Sports

Under McManus’s leadership, CBS Sports regained NFL broadcasting rights in 1998, a move that revitalized the network after a period without NFL coverage which saw CBS falter in prime-time ratings. His efforts were instrumental in CBS’s resurgence as a prime-time leader, credited with securing major sports contracts that extended into the next decade.

Legacy of Leadership

Sean McManus leaves behind a robust portfolio of long-term deals that ensure CBS’s prominence in sports broadcasting. With critical agreements for the NFL, NCAA, NWSL, Big Ten, UEFA Champions League, and PGA Tour all secured under his tenure, McManus’s strategic leadership has positioned CBS to continue thriving in the competitive broadcasting landscape.