Peyton and Eli Manning are bringing their Xs and Os series back to ESPN in 2026. However, Bill Belichick will not be part of it.
The legendary NFL head coach took part in the series with the Manning brothers in 2024. However, when Belichick took the North Carolina Tar Heels head coaching job ahead of the 2025 season, he stepped away from his media duties. Belichick will not be returning to the show in 2026.
The Manning brothers have found a replacement, though.
The Athletic is reporting that NFL Hall of Famer Luke Kuechly will be replacing Belichick on the Manning brothers' special ESPN show.
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Kuechly will be joining the Manning brothers for “The Breakdown” on the ESPN Unlimited app, according to sources that spoke to The Athletic.
Details emerge from Kuechly's role on ESPN
"Already named Netflix’s No. 1 NFL game analyst, Kuechly will also call a handful of games for CBS. Additionally, he will continue as a radio analyst for the Carolina Panthers," The Athletic reported.
"Manning previously teamed with Belichick for the program two years ago. The show appeared on Fridays before Peyton’s 'Monday Night Football' altcasts with his brother, Eli. After Belichick left for the North Carolina coaching job, 'The Breakdown' took a redshirt season in 2025. Manning and his team wanted to make sure to have the right fit.
"Kuechly, however, won’t add ESPN to his Netflix and CBS W-2s. 'The Breakdown' is part of Manning’s Omaha Productions partnership with ESPN. ESPN declined comment on the move."
Kuechly is one of the brightest minds in football. It'll be fun to watch him dissecting the game alongside two legendary NFL quarterbacks in Peyton and Eli Manning.
