Dan Le Batard believes NBC Sports struck gold with Mike Tomlin. In fact, the former Pittsburgh Steelers coach has elevated Football Night in America this season.
What We Know: NBC added Tomlin as a studio analyst in April after his 19 seasons coaching Pittsburgh. Meanwhile, Hall of Fame coach Tony Dungy did not return after 17 years on the show. Matthew Berry and Chris Simms also reportedly exited to make room for Tomlin. Now, Tomlin sits alongside Maria Taylor, Devin McCourty, Jason Garrett and Mike Florio. Now, nearly halfway through the NFL season, Le Batard credited the performance thus far of Tomlin. He says that his addition has officially put Football Night in America as a detination program.
What They Said: (All quotes via The Dan Le Batard Show):
Dan Le Batard believes Mike Tomlin has stood out the most this season on NBC Sports: “Through just a couple of months of the NFL season, in all regards, there has been no one who has been more impressive in their job at football than Mike Tomlin. I believe that Mike Tomlin has been better at broadcasting than any newcomer that we have seen since Tony Romo in terms of surprising people.”
Dan Le Batard says NBC Sports has done a great job in crafting Football Night in America: “NBC Football Night in America has created something on Sunday night. It’s the closest thing that we have to what Monday Night Football felt like back when there were only three network channels and PBS.”
Dan Le Batard believes the Football Night in America had struggles for years to connect with viewers: “That the game [Sunday Night Football] matters so much that no one even notices the struggles that they have had putting together a show that anybody actually wants to watch. With all of the different reps and people that they have had over the years.”
What Remains Unclear: It’s unclear whether or not NFL teams will inquire about Tomlin’s status in the off season. Also, with Tomlin present on NFL coverage, it remains to be seen if the network could find placement for Tomlin in other sports programming.
What It Means: Ultimately, Le Batard credits NBC for building a true Sunday night event. He even compared it to a bygone era. For NBC, that is a strong endorsement from a frequent media critic. Tomlin’s performance this season has received rave reviews for his honest and authentic approach to analysis. Whether or not he chases a job in the NFL next season and beyond is unknown.
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