Kirk Herbstreit gets new TNF contract amid uncertain ESPN future with massive Sean McVay caveat
Kirk Herbstreit and Amazon Prime Video have agreed to a new deal for Herbstreit to remain in place as their “Thursday Night Football” analyst.The deal carries “flexibility” for Amazon, however, should they choose to move on from Herbstreit if a desired candidate becomes available, according to The Athletic’s Andrew Marchand.One of those potential picks is Rams coach Sean McVay, whom Amazon tried to recruit before signing Herbstreit in 2022 during a huge television shift that ended with Fox signing Tom Brady.Prime Video created an offer for around $20 million per year for McVay, but he re-signed with Los Angeles.Other possible candidates, should they become available, include Chiefs tight end Travis Kelce, who is thought to be heading for broadcasting upon retiring like his brother Jason, and 49ers general manager John Lynch.Prime Video showed interest in Lynch in 2022.Herbstreit’s new deal reportedly covers several seasons and pays him over eight figures per year, though it’s shorter than his current contract, which expires at the end of this season.His ESPN deal for college football is also set to expire, per Marchand.ESPN has said they will not address Herbstreit’s contract situation until the college football season concludes, per Marchand.Herbstreit has been employed by ESPN for over three decades, gaining a star role on “College GameDay” and calling top games alongside Chris Fowler.His dog Peter has gained fame for being a part of Herbstreit’s private jet flights between each week’s “College GameDay” location and the game site, as well as hitting the field pregame at NFL and college games.
His previous famed golden retriever, Ben, passed away in 2024.ESPN signed Joe Buck to a new six-year contract earlier this month, and is in talks with Pat McAfee, who has over a year left on his current deal, for a new contract that could pay him up to $65 million per year.Buck’s partner, Troy Aikman, is also on an expiring deal, and ESPN is al...