• Loading stock data...
Monday, October 20, 2025

Greg Olsen’s Coaching Ambitions Could Shake Up Fox Sports’ NFL Broadcasts

  • The current No. 1 analyst could be a candidate for a head coaching job with the Carolina Panthers.
  • If Tom Brady declines analyst job, the network might have to fill the top two positions for 2024.
Fox Sports

Greg Olsen is interested in the Carolina Panthers head coaching job if approached, sources told Front Office Sports. That’s setting up a big potential hiring decision for Fox Sports.

The Athletic first reported the news about the ex-Panthers tight end on Monday. Billionaire Panthers owner David Tepper could lure away Olsen, and Fox would then face the prospect of effectively replacing its Nos. 1 and 2 NFL game analysts in one swoop.

But Olsen is scheduled to drop back to No. 2 once Tom Brady takes over the lead role during the 2024 season. 

“I know (Olsen’s) interested. I just cannot bring myself to believe that it will happen,” said ex-Fox executive turned media consultant Patrick Crakes. “But he also hears in his ear all the time, ‘Tom Brady’s coming.’ So why not work on your future?”

Olsen has repeatedly said he’s OK with giving way to Brady. On the other hand, he’s won critical raves as Fox’s No. 1 analyst, calling the Kansas City Chiefs vs. Philadelphia Eagles in Super Bowl 57 in February. 

That was the most-watched Super Bowl ever, averaging 115.1 million viewers. He and his castmates also called the most-watched regular-season game of all time during last Thanksgiving’s Dallas Cowboys vs. New York Giants telecast, which drew 42 million viewers.

“If you’re asking me, I think Kevin and I have shown that we can handle a game on any stage – on any day,” Olsen told Front Office Sports last December.

While he’s a good soldier, it will be tough for Olsen to give up calling Fox’s biggest game every week. Just look at the frustration evidenced by Al Michaels having to call some unattractive games on Amazon Prime Video’s “Thursday Night Football” after years of calling the league’s best prime-time matchup on NBC Sports “Sunday Night Football.”

Brady is poised to become the highest-paid sports analyst in TV history via a 10-year, $375 million deal with Fox. 

But many wonder if the GOAT will ever end up in the broadcast booth. The seven-time Super Bowl winner changed his mind only a month into his first retirement from the NFL. Brady then took a gap year this season to prepare for his 2024 debut.

If that worst-case scenario comes to pass, Fox could promote analysts from its bench, such as current No. 2 Daryl Johnston, Mark Schlereth, Jonathan Vilma, or Mark Sanchez.

It’s a popular parlor game among NFL TV partners to scout the next great TV analysts among current coaches and players.

At the top of network wish lists: Los Angeles Rams coach Sean McVay, Pittsburgh Steelers coach Mike Tomlin, and former Chargers and Colts quarterback Philip Rivers said sources. 

Retiring CBS Sports chairman Sean McManus recently cited the trio as strong candidates for the broadcast booth. 

“I’ve always thought Mike Tomlin, if he ever wanted to do it, would be terrific,” McManus said.

Greg Olsen and Travis Kelce talk before Kansas City Chiefs game

Greg Olsen Ready for His Super Bowl Close-Up as Tom Brady Looms

In 2017, Greg Olsen was still an active NFL player calling games. 
December 6, 2022

In November 2022, NFL on CBS reporter Aditi Kinkhabwala tweeted that Tomlin was “very close” to moving to TV a few years ago — but decided to stay with the Steelers.

Then there’s the ultimate wild card: Bill Belichick. Despite his surly attitude toward the press, there are NFL Insiders like Peter Schrager who believe he could be the next great NFL TV analyst if he were so inclined. The Hoodie could be looking for a new job after leading the New England Patriots to a 2-9 record this season.

Belichick can be “super, super engaging” if he wants to be, Schrager told Front Office Sports. “He knows the history of the game inside and out.”

The Olsen/Brady scenario at Fox was kicked into motion by the NFL announcer shuffle of 2022. 

In March 2022, Troy Aikman and Joe Buck jumped to ESPN’s “Monday Night Football” after 20 years and six Super Bowls at Fox. 

Olsen, who’d only joined the network full-time the previous year, was elevated to the No. 1 team with Burkhardt to succeed Aikman and Buck. Fox announced its big Brady hire in May 2022.

Of course, the Olsen-to-Panthers rumors could fade quickly. And Brady has maintained that he will be ready to go with his Fox TV career next year.

Fox gave Olsen a salary raise after his move up to No. 1, said sources. But he’s making nowhere near Brady’s salary of $37.5 million per season. If Tepper, a billionaire hedge fund manager, wants to overpay a rookie head coach, who is Olsen to say no?

Greg Olsen has strong Super Bowl debut.

Gutsy Greg Olsen Makes His Bones With TV Viewers

Greg Olsen was strong in his convictions during Super Bowl broadcast.
February 13, 2023

The NFL’s second-richest owner, with a $20.6 billion net worth, likes to hand out lucrative deals to his revolving door of head coaches. 

For example, fired head coach Frank Reich is expected to pocket $20 million to $40 million in guaranteed pay from Tepper over the next three years. Whatever happens, Crakes believes Fox already has backup plans if they lose Olsen, Brady, or both. 

“I imagine they’ll be fine. They’ll get their pick of what’s available. And they always have contingency (plans). They’ll be fine. They’ll figure it out,” he said.

Fox declined to comment on this story.

Linkedin
Whatsapp
Copy Link
Link Copied
Link Copied

What to Read

breaking

Blue Jays’ $280M Payroll Pays Off With a Trip to the World..

Toronto is back in the Fall Classic for the first time in 32 years.
Apr 5, 2025; San Antonio, TX, USA; Auburn Tigers head coach Bruce Pearl talks with his players against the Florida Gators in the semifinals of the men's Final Four of the 2025 NCAA Tournament at the Alamodome.

Bruce Pearl: ‘The One Thing’ I Miss About Coaching

FOS interviewed ex-Auburn coach on his move to TNT Sports.
Jul 30, 2022; Irvine, CA, USA; A general view of the official NFL balls on the field during Los Angeles Rams training camp at University of California Irvine.

Saudi Arabia Wants to Bring American Football to the Middle East

The Middle Eastern nation wants to host major football events.
Verstappen

ESPN’s Final F1 Season Is Turning Into A Thriller 

F1 is averaging 1.4 million viewers on ESPN networks this year.

Featured Today

@chef__tezz/Instagram

Inside the NFL’s Private Chef Network

Private chefs are the unsung architects of player performance.
October 18, 2025

How Vanderbilt Went From SEC Doormat to Dark Horse CFP Candidate

After beating LSU, Clark Lea said: “Internally, we expect to win.”
May 27, 2025; Indianapolis, Indiana, USA; Indiana Pacers guard T.J. McConnell (9) shoots a three point basket over New York Knicks guard Josh Hart (3) during the third quarter of game four of the eastern conference finals for the 2025 NBA Playoffs at Gainbridge Fieldhouse
October 18, 2025

NBA Stars Swap Wine With League Friends and Foes

A wine-exchange tradition emerged from the bubble season’s close quarters.
May 25, 2025; Indianapolis, Indiana, USA; Derek Jeter walks the red carpet on Sunday, May 25, 2025, ahead of the 109th running of the Indianapolis 500 at Indianapolis Motor Speedway
October 16, 2025

The Players’ Tribune Is Still Kicking 11 Years Later

Founder Derek Jeter is still closely involved in the publication.

ESPN’s ‘MNF’ Doubleheaders Will End—If NFL Equity Deal Clears

ESPN is broadcasting its fourth “MNF” doubleheader this season.
October 20, 2025

Mariners–Blue Jays Game 7 Drama Likely to Drive MLB Ratings Surge

The Mariners and Blue Jays will square off in Game 7 of the ALCS.
October 20, 2025

Early Data Shows ESPN, Fox One Are Off to Strong Starts in..

The two streaming services each surpass 1 million sign-ups in the first month.
Sponsored

How Jenny Just Is Shaping the Future of Sports Ownership

Jenny Just on bringing her investment experience to sports ownership.
October 16, 2025

NBA Season About to Tip Off With New TV Deal—but No LeBron..

James will reportedly be out until mid-November.
Shae Cornette
exclusive
October 16, 2025

Shae Cornette to Replace Molly Qerim on ESPN’s ‘First Take’

Qerim abruptly left the show last month.
Auburn Tigers head coach Bruce Pearl acknowledges the crowd after the game as Auburn Tigers men's basketball takes on Texas A&M Aggies at Auburn Arena in Auburn, Ala., on Saturday, Feb. 12, 2022. Auburn Tigers defeated Texas A&M Aggies 75-58.
October 16, 2025

Bruce Pearl Joining TNT As College Hoops Analyst

Pearl retired as Auburn Tigers coach last month.
Sep 21, 2025; Chicago, Illinois, USA; Chicago Bears head coach Ben Johnson talks with quarterback Caleb Williams (18) against the Dallas Cowboys during the second half at Soldier Field.
October 15, 2025

Troy Aikman’s ‘MNF’ Critique of Bears Sparks Player-Coach Pushback

ESPN is paying Aikman $18 million a year.