Chris Simms Questions NBC Exit as Mike Tomlin Joins NFL Show

Former NFL quarterback Chris Simms says NBC's decision to remove him from Football Night in America left him confused after seven seasons on the Sunday night program. The analyst said he had received positive performance feedback before losing his regular role as the network revamped its NFL coverage for the 2026 season and brought former Pittsburgh Steelers coach Mike Tomlin onto the panel.

Simms discussed his departure in an interview with John Mamola of Barrett Media, explaining that the network's decision appeared inconsistent with the evaluations he had received. According to Sports Yahoo and AOL, NBC informed him of his exit in April 2026, following a broader restructuring of its studio programming after Super Bowl LX.

Simms described the personal impact of leaving a show he had enjoyed and questioned the decision in light of his performance reviews.

"It stings I'm not on that show anymore. I did love doing it, and it kind of felt like it was coming that way. When they tell you you're awesome on the show and grading higher than anybody every week, then you don't get to go on the show in the future, you're a little confused by it," Simms said.

He had joined NBC's football coverage in 2016 and spent seven seasons as a regular member of the Football Night in America desk. His other assignments included Notre Dame football broadcasts and co-hosting Pro Football Talk Live with Mike Florio.

Simms also addressed the departure publicly on Pro Football Talk Live, where he acknowledged the disappointment of losing the studio position.

"That hurt because I do love it," Simms said.

NBC's changes extended beyond personnel. For the 2026 season, the network shifted Football Night in America from its longtime studio base in Stamford, Connecticut, to a traveling format broadcast from the stadium hosting each week's game. The network also added Tomlin, who left the Pittsburgh Steelers after 19 seasons as head coach.

Tomlin's coaching record includes 13 playoff appearances, two Super Bowl appearances and a Super Bowl victory in 2008. His arrival reshaped the program's lineup, which features host Maria Taylor, former Dallas Cowboys coach Jason Garrett and former Patriots safety Devin McCourty. Hall of Fame coach Tony Dungy also left the network around the same period, according to Sports Yahoo.

Simms' departure generated mixed reactions among NFL fans on social media. Some criticized his analysis and supported NBC's decision, while others discussed whether television networks increasingly favor former players and coaches with distinguished on-field records over broadcasting performance.

One social media commenter argued that networks place greater value on elite playing careers, citing Tom Brady's move to FOX Sports and questioning whether Brady had surpassed Greg Olsen as an announcer after three years. The comment reflected one view in the wider debate surrounding personnel decisions in NFL broadcasting.

Despite losing his regular position on Football Night in America, Simms remains involved with NBC Sports. He continues to co-host PFT Live with Florio, host his Unbuttoned podcast and contribute to the network's Notre Dame and Big Ten college football coverage.

Simms also expressed respect for Tomlin, praising the former Steelers coach's leadership and communication skills while predicting that a suitable opportunity could eventually bring him back to an NFL coaching position.

"He's a great leader of men. Also, the best communicator of any coach I've ever been in a locker room with. But the way they're paying these coaches now, if there's a situation he likes, I don't think he'll turn it down," Simms said.