Tony Dungy of NBC Sunday Night Football before a game
Tony Dungy.
Tony Dungy is out at Sunday Night Football
The Hall of Fame coach and former player confirmed that he "won't be back" on the network's flagship football program
Dungy, who has won two Super Bowl rings, joined the show in 2009
After 17 years, Tony Dungy has been cut from Sunday Night Football.
The Hall of Fame coach confirmed in a social media post on Thursday, March 12 that he is leaving the show and NBC’s Football Night in America.
“I have been informed by NBC that I won’t be back with FNIA this fall and it has given me time to reflect and also to look ahead,” Dungy, 70, wrote. “It’s disappointing news but I want to thank my NBC family for making the last 17 years so special. I’ll have lasting memories of my time there, especially with Rodney Harrison who has become a tremendous friend.”
He continued, “God has always directed me in these moments and while I’m not sure what the next step will be for me—whether it will be in football, in broadcasting, or getting more involved in church and community outreach —I know God has plans for my life and I can’t wait see them unfold.”
PEOPLE has reached out to NBC for comment.
Dungy first signed on with NBC’s flagship broadcast in 2009, two years after leading Peyton Manning and the Indianapolis Colts to a Super Bowl championship.
Tony Dungy co-hosts Sunday Football Night in America pregame show on the sideline before during the football
Tony Dungy co-hosts Sunday Football Night in America pregame show on the sideline before during the football
Over the past season, the analyst traveled to games along with retired NFL safety Harrison and Cris Collinsworth while host Maria Taylor helmed the broadcast from the studio along with former Dallas Cowboys player/coach Jason Garrett, retired NFL quarterback Chris Simms and retired cornerback Devin McCourty.
According to a report in The Athletic, the network may be looking to retool the program in the wake of Dungy’s dismissal and possibly put the entire show on the road, or make more downsizing moves in terms of talent.
Dungy coached in the NFL for 13 seasons, including six years with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. He played three years in the NFL as a defensive back and won a Super Bowl with the 1979 Pittsburgh Steelers.
The father of 11 raised eyebrows late last season when he refused to share on FNIA whether he voted for former NFL coach Bill Belichick — whose New England Patriots were bitter rivals with the Colts — in the former New England Patriots coach’s first-ballot attempt to enter the Hall of Fame.