Will Kirk Herbstreit still be at Amazon Prime in 2027?
The ESPN college football and Amazon Prime NFL announcer has an expiring contract with the streaming giant. While Herbstreit has made it clear that he wants to continue working with Amazon Prime and the NFL, there's no guarantee that it'll happen. Amazon could look to reshape its broadcasting booth, with Al Michaels approaching retirement.
Though Herbstreit wants to stay.
"I’m loving the NFL. I would never want to leave that job on Thursday, and I love 'GameDay,'" Herbstreit has said.
"I can’t imagine not sitting in that seat. It’s a dream to have all three of these. I hope to be able to sign an extension at some point with both Amazon and ESPN.”
Herbstreit, who played quarterback at Ohio State, was initially unsure if he could do all of his jobs at once.
“I had to look myself in the mirror and be like, can I do all three (jobs)?” Herbstreit told The Athletic. “Pat coming on the show, it’s been a game-changer for me and for the show. He brings a certain level of intensity and energy. Him and I have a great relationship.”
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If Amazon does choose to move on from Amazon Prime, though, who could replace him on the air?
There are two "big names" being floated for the position.
Two big names emerge for Herbstreit replacement
There's setting up to be a lot of potential TV changes heading into the 2027 season and beyond.
"In recent weeks, The Athletic has spoken to top league and network executives, agents and on-air personalities to lay the groundwork for what is next as we approach five years after the NFL TV free-agent frenzy of 2022," Andrew Marchand reported.
If Herbstreit, who still does ESPN's "College GameDay" every Saturday during the fall from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. E.T., and the ABC Saturday Night Game each week, is not retained by Amazon Prime, two big names have surfaced to replace him:
- Travis Kelce
- Sean McVay
"If Prime Video moves on from Herbstreit, it could look at the well-respected Greg Olsen of Fox and J.J. Watt," Marchand writes, "but the wild cards are Kelce and McVay."
Kelce is expected to retire following the 2026 season - if he doesn't retire this year - and while McVay has signed a coaching extension with the Rams, he's often hinted at a potentially early retirement.
Both would likely command north of $10 million per year to do the jobs, according to industry sources.
Who would you like to see replacing Herbstreit in 2027 if it happens?