NBC Removed Chris Simms From Football Night Panel
The network overhauled its broadcast team and format during the 2026 offseason.
Updated on Oct. 10, 2026 in Football
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NBC removed Chris Simms from the Football Night in America broadcast panel in April 2026. The network move coincided with a broader transition to an on-site traveling production for the 2026 season.
Why it matters
NBC pursued a strategic overhaul of the long-running program to modernize its format. The network prioritized these changes following the expiration of studio crew contracts after Super Bowl LX in February 2026.
Chris Simms served on the studio desk for 7 seasons after joining the network in 2016. NBC replaced him with Mike Tomlin as part of a panel that now features Maria Taylor, Jason Garrett, and Devin McCourty.
The players
Chris Simms
He is a former professional quarterback who joined NBC in 2016 as an analyst.
Mike Tomlin
He is an NFL coach who concluded a 19-season tenure with the Pittsburgh Steelers.
Maria Taylor
She serves as a host for NBC broadcast programming.
Jason Garrett
He is a former NFL head coach currently serving as an analyst on the network panel.
Devin McCourty
He is a former professional football player who currently contributes to the broadcast panel.
The details
The network moved to an on-site traveling show model, abandoning the previous studio format based in Stamford, Connecticut. NBC secured Mike Tomlin for the new panel by backloading his contract to ensure his signing following the departure of Tony Dungy.
Timeline
Chris Simms joined NBC in 2016.
Super Bowl LX occurred in February 2026.
NBC informed Chris Simms of his exit in April 2026.
The 2026 season marked the start of on-site broadcasts for Football Night in America.
Season Trajectory
The show shifted its entire production philosophy to an on-site traveling model following Super Bowl LX. This move marks a departure from traditional studio-based analysis, positioning the network to compete with alternative game-day viewing experiences.
Viewers will see a new panel lineup featuring Maria Taylor, Jason Garrett, and Devin McCourty during the 2026 season. The broadcast shift means the program will now originate from game sites rather than the former studio in Stamford, Connecticut.
The takeaway
Networks frequently overhaul broadcast panels to keep coverage fresh and align with evolving production requirements. Viewers can expect to see increased on-site reporting as major sports programs continue to prioritize traveling formats over stationary studio sets.
Further reading
Find more updates and analysis on the Football section of our site.
Source note: This article includes information reported by EssentiallySports.
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Should companies retain high-performing staff even when undergoing a major strategic shift?
