Chris Simms Reflects on Departure from NBC’s Football Night in America

Chris Simms, who has been a familiar face on NBC’s “Football Night in America” for seven seasons, finds himself puzzled by his recent exit from the show.

Simms cites NBC’s internal evaluations, which indicated he was among the top performers throughout his time there, leaving him shocked when he learned in April that he wouldn’t be returning.

“It stings I’m not on that show anymore,” Simms shared in an interview. “I did love doing it, and it kind of felt like it was coming that way. When they tell you you’re awesome on the show and grading higher than anybody every week, then you don’t get to go on the show in the future, you’re a little confused by it.”

This change came amid a larger reshuffle at NBC. For instance, Tony Dungy’s long stint with the network ended after last season. Dungy announced his departure in March, while other familiar faces like Rodney Harrison and Jac Collinsworth also did not return.

On the other hand, Mike Tomlin has joined NBC as their new lead studio analyst, teaming up with Maria Taylor, Jason Garrett, and Devin McCourty. The group will be attending every “Sunday Night Football” game throughout the season.

While Simms is no longer on the pregame show, he remains active with NBC, co-hosting “PFT Live” with Mike Florio and also hosting “Unbuttoned” with Connor Rogers. He is also involved in their college football coverage. Despite acknowledging Tomlin’s current success on the panel, Simms expressed skepticism about Tomlin’s long-term role.

“I don’t see him staying long term,” Simms remarked. “He’s really good at it, but I think he’s a great coach. He’s a great leader of men. Also, the best communicator of any coach I’ve ever been in a locker room with. But the way they’re paying these coaches now, if there’s a situation he likes, I don’t think he’ll turn it down. That’s just a guess.”