Former CBS Sports NFL analyst Phil Simms said his recent dismissal from the network "wasn't a great surprise."
“I knew there was probably going to be some change or thought there would be. So, I think that makes it a little easier," Simms told the Front Office Sports Today Podcast this week.
“Would I have liked to keep the job? Of course. I mean, damn. I didn’t like it — I loved it. Get to talk football and hang around and maybe when we go to commercial, you get to really say what you want to the guys that you’re working with, but in the meetings, everything. But it was a fun job, great job and you just move on to something else now.”
Simms, 68, and longtime colleague, fellow former NFL quarterback Boomer Esisason, were announced to be departing CBS Sports' NFL television coverage amid a shakeup ahead of the 2024 season. Former NFL quarterback Matt Ryan -- who officially announced his retirement last month -- will be moving from the in-game broadcast booth to the studio show joining James Brown, Bill Cowher and J.J. Watt for the 2024 NFL season.
“Nobody asked me, talked to me or anything like that,” Simms added. “I waited for I guess over a couple months to see what CBS was doing, and I think the longer you wait, the more you know it’s not gonna work out in your favor.”
Esiason, 63, a former NFL MVP who will continue his role with his CBS Sports local New York radio show despite his departure from The NFL Today, said his departure from the studio show will help him find a better work-life balance while appearing on God Bless Football Friday (May 3).
“I was more than happy to step aside. I had my time there,” Esiason said. “I loved that seat. I cherished that seat, I cherished talking to football fans every Sunday, but there comes a time when you have to find some time for yourself. And this was the right time.”
Ryan contributed as an NFL game analyst last season, though not officially announcing his retirement from his playing career until last month.