NFL Network opts not to renew Michael Irvin's contract ahead of 2024 season
Ahead of the 2024 NFL Season, the NFL Network has reportedly opted not to renew former Cowboys receiver Michael Irvin‘s contract. Irvin, who joined NFL Network as an analyst in 2009, was briefly removed from coverage following an incident leading up to the Super Bowl in Arizona. The broadcasting veteran returned to his role for the 2023 regular season.
Along with non-renewals, the NFL Network is ending the NFL Total Access show later this month. On Friday, Front Office Sports revealed that the network is undergoing a round of layoffs this week, and will be airing “an altered programming schedule this upcoming season.”
According to a spokesperson, the cuts are an effort to “ensure the continued strength of our game and the business.”
In March, NFL Network announced that Good Morning Football would change locations from New Jersey to Los Angeles. It went on hiatus leading up to the move.
Boomer Esiason, Phil Simms leaving NFL TODAY
The NFL TODAY show is going through a re-vamp ahead of the 2024 NFL season. CBS Sports announced on Monday that long-time contributors Phil Simms and Boomer Esiason are departing from the show’s roster of talent. Now, former Atlanta Falcons star quarterback Matt Ryan is joining the team, alongside James Brown, Bill Cowher, JJ Watt and Nate Burleson. David Berson, President and CEO, CBS Sports, announced the news on Monday following the draft.
Esiason served as a studio analyst for more than two decades. He was THE NFL TODAY’s longest-tenured analyst. Though Esiason is leaving THE NFL TODAY, he is still hosting the BOOMER AND GIO SHOW on CBS Sports Network. Simms served as lead game analyst for nearly 20 years before transitioning to the studio.
“Phil and Boomer set the standard of excellence for NFL analysts,” Berson said. “We are so grateful for their immeasurable contributions to CBS Sports. We genuinely thank them for being incredible teammates and for their passion, dedication and commitment to elevating CBS Sports’ NFL coverage every season.”
Matt Ryan, who officially announced his retirement from the league after signing a deal to exit as a Falcon last week, is taking on a new role on the NFL TODAY show. The show, which debuted in 1975, is the perfect landing spot for the former four-time Pro Bowler and one-time NFL MVP.