Arrr, NBC be scuttlin' Al Michaels from the NFL playoff coverage! Blimey, a jolly shame, says Tim Brando!
2023-12-14
Tim Brando did parley with OutKick's own Dan Dakich regarding the scallywags at NBC who dared to maroon the venerable Al Michaels from their NFL playoff coverage, arrr!
Tim Brando, a well-known college football and basketball broadcaster, shared his thoughts on NBC's decision to remove Al Michaels from NFL playoff coverage. Brando expressed concern about the trend of broadcasting companies looking to cut costs due to high rights fees for sporting events. He mentioned the recent departures of other notable figures in sports broadcasting, such as Paul Azinger and Brandt Packer. Brando speculated that the industry may be signaling to Michaels that it's time for him to move on, but he believes Michaels still has the talent and should be given more time. He compared the changes in the broadcasting industry to universities changing athletic directors and TV shows changing executive producers, emphasizing the need to stay adaptable. Michaels, who is 79 years old, will be joining Amazon Prime's "Thursday Night Football" coverage in 2022. The decision to remove Michaels from NBC's playoff coverage was confirmed by NBC Sports Vice President Greg Hughes. Michaels himself expressed surprise when asked about the move, stating that it was part of his deal. NBC will have Mike Tirico and Cris Collinsworth handle two playoff games, while Noah Eagle, Todd Blackledge, and Kathryn Teppen will cover one of the doubleheaders early in January.