Bold start: NBC may reshuffle its NFL pregame face, and Tony Dungy’s role could be one of the biggest changes yet. And this is the part most people miss: the network is laying groundwork for a revamped, possibly on-the-road, show that could redefine how viewers experience Sunday pregame coverage.
Tony Dungy, a Hall of Famer with 17 years on NBC’s Football Night in America, is likely to transition out of his regular analyst role as NBC plans a refresh of the program, according to sources familiar with the discussions reported by The Athletic.
This change would mark one of the first big moves in a broader effort to reshape NBC’s NFL pregame presentation. Despite the show’s high ratings, its positioning—sandwiched between CBS’s late afternoon window and NBC’s own Sunday night game—gives the network flexibility to experiment with format, pacing, and talent.
NBC is reportedly considering taking the show fully on the road next season and trimming the on-air roster. While nothing is final, and Dungy hasn’t been formally informed, the door remains open for a potential emeritus arrangement—similar to past NBC moves with Bob Costas or Al Michaels—where he would contribute in a reduced capacity while retaining a connection to the network.
NBC declined to comment.
A number of longtime NBC studio analysts are coming off their contracts after the Super Bowl. In addition to Dungy, the current group has featured Devin McCourty, Jason Garrett, Chris Simms, and Rodney Harrison.
On-air talent around the show includes host Maria Taylor, insider Mike Florio, fantasy expert Matthew Berry, reporter Jac Collinsworth, and statistician Steve Kornacki.
This season, Dungy and Harrison spent time on the road with Collinsworth, while the rest of the crew remained in the studio. A notable moment occurred when Collinsworth, Dungy, and Harrison were at Alcatraz for the Super Bowl pregame.
As NBC aims for a fresh look, they face the challenge of revamping with a pool of potential analysts who may or may not be available or inclined to move into TV. High-profile targets like former Pittsburgh Steelers coach Mike Tomlin could be hesitant to enter broadcasting, while Chiefs star Travis Kelce has hinted at a desire to continue playing and would prefer to call games if he joins TV. Cam Heyward has appeared in NBC’s Super Bowl pregame but may still be active on the field. Kirk Cousins, who appeared on CBS’s postseason pregame, could stay on the field if cut by the Falcons. A wildcard possibility is quarterback Aaron Rodgers, who could opt to play another year with the Steelers.
Dungy, now 70, was a focal point during Super Bowl week amid the public snub of Bill Belichick’s Pro Football Hall of Fame entry. Dungy, who served on the Hall of Fame voting panel for the Class of 2026, repeatedly avoided confirming his vote for Belichick. Dungy’s history includes a close rivalry between his Colts and Belichick’s Patriots, famously tied to the Deflategate saga.
As a player, Dungy spent three NFL seasons as a defensive back, including time with the 1979 Super Bowl champion Pittsburgh Steelers. He later built a storied coaching career with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and the Indianapolis Colts, ultimately guiding the Colts to a Super Bowl victory over the Chicago Bears in 2007.
February 26, 2026
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