It had been widely reported in late February that Hall of Fame head coach Tony Dungy’s time as a NFL analyst for NBC’s Football Night in America broadcast was coming to an end. Dungy confirmed that his departure was indeed true Thursday, taking to social media to announce that he would not be returning to NBC for the upcoming NFL season.
I have been informed by NBC that I won’t be back with FNIA this fall and it has given me time to reflect and also to look ahead.
It’s disappointing news but I want to thank my NBC family for making the last 17 years so special. I’ll have lasting memories of my time there,… pic.twitter.com/Q01cHIjkjm
— Tony Dungy (@TonyDungy) March 12, 2026
“I have been informed by NBC that I won’t be back with FNIA this fall and it has given me time to reflect and look ahead,” Dungy said on X. “It’s disappointing news but I want to thank my NBC family for making the last 17 years so special, I’ll have lasting memories of my time there, especially with Rodney Harrison who has become a tremendous friend.”
Dungy originally joined NBC in 2009 following his retirement as head coach of the Indianapolis Colts. He was hired along with Harrison, working first with Dan Patrick and Keith Olbermann followed by Mike Tirico, and Maria Taylor, and most recently on-site with Jac Collinsworth.
Reaction To Coach Dungy’s Departure
There has been plenty of reaction on social media to Dungy’s exit from NBC.
Congratulations Coach! Always pure class and a great example!
— Sean Salisbury (@SeanUnfiltered) March 12, 2026
“Congratulations Coach! Always pure class and a great example,” said former NFL quarterback and long-time sports radio host Sean Salisbury.
Love you sir ♥️♥️🙏🏿
— Titus O’Neil (@TitusONeilWWE) March 12, 2026
WWE Hall of Famer Titus O’Neil, who has been a part of a number of charitable works alongside Dungy in the Tampa Bay region, expressed his love for the former Buccaneers coach.
But not all reactions were positive toward Dungy, with many insinuating that his refusal to reveal whether or not he voted for Bill Belichick to be elected into the Pro Football Hall of Fame on the first ballot caused him to lose his job.
Loved Tony but actions have consequences… pic.twitter.com/zSHwBDayiU
— MikePita (@MikePita) March 12, 2026
It’s still unclear as to what other changes, if any, will be made to Football Night in America for 2026. Andrew Marchand of The Athletic reported in February that most of the analysts’ contracts were up for renewal after the Super Bowl, including Devin McCourty, Chris Simms, Jason Garrett, and Harrison.
