ESPN Demotes NFL Announcer Ahead Of The 2026 Season

CHICAGO, IL - DECEMBER 20: A detail view of a microphone is seen with an ESPN logo on it during a game between the Chicago Bears and the Minnesota Vikings on December 20, 2021, at Soldier Field in Chicago, IL. (Photo by Robin Alam/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)Icon Sportswire/Getty Images

ESPN Demotes NFL Announcer Ahead Of The 2026 Season

Originally posted on The Spun | By Andrew Holleran | Last updated Jul 5, 2026 9:07 AM ET

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ESPN appears to have demoted an NFL announcer ahead of the 2026 regular season.

The Worldwide Leader in Sports has merged with NFL Network. This means that there will be a lot of crossover between ESPN and NFL Network figures. It also apparently means that ESPN is gaining control of some NFL Network broadcasting decisions.

The NFL Network broadcasts multiple regular season games each year. NFL Network is known for its coverage of the games in Europe. However, NFL fans have had mixed reviews to the network's broadcasts.

PHOENIX, AZ - FEBRUARY 09: Rich Eisen poses for a photo on the red carpet during NFL Honors at the Symphony Hall on February 9, 2023 in Phoenix, Arizona. (Photo by Cooper Neill/Getty Images)Cooper Neill/Getty Images

Rich Eisen, known for his studio coverage, has been on the call of multiple NFL Network games. Fans have not been thrilled with his work as a play-by-play man, though.

Now, it sounds like ESPN is demoting him, as he won't be calling any NFL Network games in 2026.

"I believe I am done," Eisen told Sports Illustrated when asked if he would continue calling NFL regular season games this upcoming season.

Details emerge from ESPN's decision

It sounds like it was ultimately ESPN's call.

"Sources tell OutKick it was ESPN's decision to remove Eisen from game broadcasts. Dave Pasch is expected to replace him on NFL Network-exclusive games. Pasch, who is leaving his role with the Arizona Cardinals, will be a significant upgrade. He is one of ESPN's best play-by-play voices. Eisen never reached that level," Outkick reported.

Eisen had been calling NFL regular season games for the NFL Network since the 2018 season. However, NFL fans were never quite thrilled with his performance inside of the broadcasting booth.

Now, it sounds like he won't have any NFL announcing role for 2026, at least when it comes to play-by-play.

This article first appeared on The Spun and was syndicated with permission.

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