ESPN announcer Troy Aikman is facing criticism for a comment he made during “Monday Night Football” between the Washington Commanders and San Francisco 49ers.
During the first quarter of this week’s “Monday Night Football” game, the 49ers went for it on 4th-and-3 from Washington’s 11-yard line. Joe Buck brought up how many NFL coaches use analytics to make decisions in these crucial spots. 49ers coach Kyle Shanahan, on the other hand, trusts his gut.
Even though analytics can certainly be helpful, Aikman made it clear that he’s not fond of them. In fact, he thinks coaches who are analytics-driven will eventually meet their demise.
“I think analytics is a good way to lose your job as a head coach,” Aikman said. “I think you got to be smart about it.”
© Jay Biggerstaff-Imagn Images
That remark from Aikman certainly received a lot of pushback online this week.
“When I think of NFL coaches on the hot seat, first name who comes to mind is Kyle Shanahan,” Ben Baldwin of The Athletic sarcastically replied.
“I’ll be happy when Aikman is replaced, and the MNF color commentator is no longer being willfully ignorant about the modern NFL,” Anthony Dabbundo of The Ringer said.
“Honestly wonder what great wrong analytics perpetrated on Troy Aikman for him to hate them with the intensity he does,” Sam Monson said. “Such a bizarre reaction to just being better informed.”
Aikman’s future with ESPN is in doubt.
It’s been heavily reported that Joe Buck received a six-year extension from ESPN to remain the voice of “Monday Night Football.” Aikman, however, is on an expiring deal and seems ready to join another network.
“There’s probably a time and a place for all that. I don’t know if now is the time. I don’t know if it’s hard to figure out kind of what happened,” Aikman said. “I’ll broadcast through this season and I’ll be a free agent at the end of the year and kind of see what happens. I’m looking forward to whatever the rest of this season does hold and the Super Bowl and all that and where my next landing spot may be.”
Aikman and Buck will call the Super Bowl this season for ESPN.
