NFL on CBS: Tony Gonzalez IN; Marino & Sharpe Out
After reported rumblings from multiple sources, CBS has announced today a major changes to The NFL Today. Tony Gonzalez, perennial Hall of Fame tight end, who retired this past season with the Falcons, was announced as the new studio analyst. Gonzalez will join host James Brown, Bill Cowher and Boomer Esiason for the 2014 season premiere in September. CBS also announced the departures of long time analysts Dan Marino and Sterling Sharpe. Marino joined the show in 2002, while working for HBO's This is the NFL before it moved to Showtime, while Sharpe joined in 2004. The changes were made due to CBS's disappointment with ratings trending downward compared to the more popular FOX NFL Sunday. It has also been reported that CBS is trying to finalize one more analyst for for the show, rumored to be either Free Agent Ryan Clark or That Other Pregame Show analyst Bart Scott.
Its been a busy off season for the NFL on CBS as they gained the Thursday nigh package with NFL Network and will be looking to fill an analyst spot after the retirement of Dan Dierdorf.
Truth be told they should move Esiason to the booth to take Dierdorf's spot. He's more than proved himself on Westwood One Monday night's.
ReplyDeleteI think (not stating fact) that Boomer is committed to his radio show in NYC and is comfortable working a limited schedule on Westwood One. Looking at history of past assignments, it appears he practically split the MNF assignments with Dan Fouts and he works at least just two of the postseason games, one being every Super Bowl.
ReplyDeleteIts rumored that Brian Billick may get the #2 spot next season if he in fact he is not retained by FOX, so stay tuned for that.