Why Jim Nantz isn't calling any March Madness games this year
No Jim Nantz? No "hello, friends?"
As the men's NCAA Tournament begins, fans may be wondering where the voice synonymous with one of the most popular events in college sports is.
Nantz became the lead voice for CBS' coverage of the NCAA Tournament in 1991, serving as the No. 1 play-by-play man who called every Final Four since. But this year, you will likely only see and hear Nantz during commercial breaks, notably in his appearances in Capitol One ads. He won't be courtside calling games during the tournament alongside Bill Raftery and Grant Hill.
Here is why you won't be seeing Nantz announce any March Madness games.
Where is Jim Nantz? Why is Jim Nantz not broadcasting March Madness?
Nantz decided the 2023 NCAA Tournament would be his last so he could focus on his family and other broadcasting commitments. Nantz didn't retire from broadcasting; He's still calling The Masters and serves as the lead play-by-play person for CBS' NFL coverage alongside Tony Romo. The duo were in the booth for Super Bowl 58 in February.
"I'm not retiring," Nantz told USA TODAY Sports during the 2023 Final Four. "I've still got about 40 weeks a year to cover the NFL, the Super Bowl and golf for another dozen years or so."
Nantz also told the Associated Press prior to last year's Final Four that "something had to go, though."
"You’re never going to walk away from the NFL — it’s too big — and golf is deep in my heart,” Nantz said. "It’s been an amazing ride and a glorious part of my life."
Who is announcing in place of Jim Nantz?
Taking Nantz's place as the lead play-by-play announcer for CBS is Ian Eagle. He will call all rounds, including the 2024 Final Four, alongside Raftery and Hill, with Tracy Wolfson continuing to serve as the lead sideline reporter. The team will be in New York to call first-round action, including the game featuring the defending champion Connecticut Huskies.
This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Where is Jim Nantz? Why broadcaster isn't calling March Madness games
