FOOTBALL NIGHT IN AMERICA Names Mike Tirico as New Studio Host

Mike Tirico has been named the new studio host for Football Night in America, the most-watched studio show in sports since its debut in 2006. He will work alongside FNIA analysts Tony Dungy and Rodney Harrison, and NFL Insider Mike Florio, from Studio 1 at NBC Sports' International Broadcast Center in Stamford, Conn. Dan Patrick previously served as Football Night's studio host from 2008-2017.

For the past two seasons, Tirico co-hosted FNIA from the game site. That role will now be filled by Liam McHugh, who will be joined on site most weeks by the SUNDAY NIGHT FOOTBALL team of Al Michaels, Cris Collinsworth, and Michele Tafoya. In addition, Rob Hyland joins Football Night as the show's new coordinating producer.

Tirico hosts many of NBC Sports' most high-profile properties and events, including the Olympics, horse racing's Triple Crown, and major golf events. He also calls play-by-play for Notre Dame Football. This will be Tirico's 23rd season as an NFL PRIMETIME studio host or play-by-plan voice.

"As one of the most accomplished, respected and versatile voices in sports, Mike was the logical choice to move into the Football Night studio," said Sam Flood, Executive Producer and President, Production, NBC Sports & NBCSN. "He will anchor our show, set the scene, and educate the audience by extracting analysis, expertise, and news from Tony, Rodney, and Mike."

Added Flood: "Thank you to Dan Patrick for his outstanding work as co-host of Football Night for the past 10 seasons. His teamwork, professionalism, and friendship will be missed."

McHugh is NBC Sports' lead studio and on-site host for the NHL and Notre Dame Football, and has contributed to NBC Sports' coverage of four Olympics and three Super Bowls.

"This is the logical progression for Liam, who has excelled at every assignment he's been given," said Flood. "We're confident he will steward dynamic conversations between Cris, Al and Michele, and help to capture the enthusiasm of the on-site environment."

An 18-time Emmy Award winner, Hyland leads NBC Sports' production of Notre Dame Football, Triple Crown horse racing, Olympic FIGURE SKATING and track & field, and other sports. He also worked on NBC's SUNDAY NIGHT FOOTBALL in various roles for many years.

"In addition to Mike and Liam, Rob is introducing new elements to the show that will bring viewers closer to our game that night, and better explain the biggest plays and happenings from the early games," said Flood.

NBC Sports' coverage of the 2018 NFL season begins with NFL Kickoff on Thursday, Sept. 6, when the SUPER BOWL champion Philadelphia Eagles host the ATLANTA Falcons from Lincoln Financial Field in Philadelphia, Pa. Coverage begins at 7:30 p.m. ET on NBC.

This Sunday, Aug. 26, NBC Sports concludes its coverage of the 2018 preseason when the Dallas Cowboys host the Arizona Cardinals from AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas. Coverage begins at 8 p.m. ET on NBC.

Photo Credit: NBC

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