Mike Tirico has added another feather to his cap, stepping into the role of guest host on NBC's "Today" show while regular anchor Craig Melvin enjoys an Easter break with his family. The renowned sportscaster, known for his extensive work with NBC Sports, including Olympic coverage and hosting duties at major sporting events, filled in on April 15, 2025, alongside Savannah Guthrie. This appearance marks a significant moment in Tirico's career, showcasing his versatility beyond the sports world.
During his time on the show, Tirico not only read the day’s world news and political headlines but also recapped the previous night’s WNBA Draft and the Masters, demonstrating his ability to engage with a variety of topics. Fans were quick to express their enthusiasm on social media, with many suggesting that Tirico should become a regular fixture on the morning program. One viewer tweeted, "Can Mike Tirico always be on the Today Show?" reflecting the positive reception of his hosting style.
Another fan remarked, "Good to see @miketirico on my TV this morning despite it not being football season or the Olympics," while a third wrote, "I love that @miketirico is on @TODAYshow, he should be a regular!" The overwhelming response highlighted Tirico's charm and capability in a role that is quite different from his usual sports commentary.
Interestingly, this guest appearance comes at a time when Tirico's schedule is set to become busier next season. He is expected to not only continue his role in calling NFL games and hosting Olympic events but also take on the lead play-by-play position for the return of the NBA on NBC. This new responsibility will add to his already impressive portfolio, which includes his recent work at the Masters, where he provided radio coverage.
Meanwhile, in the realm of sports broadcasting, notable changes are underway. Kenny Albert has been announced as the successor to the retiring Sam Rosen in the MSG Network TV play-by-play booth for the New York Rangers. Albert, who has been a voice for Rangers radio broadcasts since 1995, will join a roster that includes championship-level announcers like Mike Breen, known for his work with the Knicks and ABC NBA Finals.
In another development, Charles Barkley, a prominent figure in sports commentary, revealed that TNT is developing a new show for the "Inside the NBA" cast. Despite the network losing NBA rights, Barkley hinted that the show would be a taped format airing once or twice a month, continuing his commitment to TNT for another 2-3 seasons.
Barkley also shared his frustrations regarding TNT's handling of NBA rights negotiations, noting that the network had not directly informed its employees about the loss of rights. He has opted to decline an offer from NBC due to the demanding workload required, which included commitments to the Kentucky Derby and Olympics.
As for Tirico's transition into the morning show format, it echoes a broader trend of sports figures crossing over into mainstream media. Similar to Michael Strahan's successful move to "Good Morning America" and Nate Burleson’s co-hosting role on "CBS Mornings," Tirico's guest stint has sparked discussions about the potential for sports anchors to take on broader roles in news broadcasting.
Despite his success on "Today," it remains unclear whether Tirico will take on a more permanent role. His recent performance, however, has certainly made a strong case for his presence on the show. Many viewers found his approach refreshing, with one fan noting, "So refreshing to see @miketirico on @TODAYshow. While his primary gig is of course @NBCSports and @GolfChannel, he is doing a great job this morning. Def impressive."
As fans eagerly await the next chapter of Tirico's career, the sports broadcasting landscape continues to evolve. With upcoming events like the May 11 edition of the FC Barcelona-Real Madrid El Clasico set to air on ESPN and the Savannah Bananas' new deal to broadcast games on ESPN and ESPN2, the intersection of sports and mainstream media remains vibrant.
In addition to these developments, 2024 Olympic bronze medalist Brody Malone is set to debut as a TV analyst for ESPN’s coverage of the NCAA Men’s Gymnastics Championship. Malone will be working alongside Bart Conner for the qualifying sessions and the finals, marking another instance of athletes transitioning into media roles.
The sports world is clearly in a state of transition, with figures like Mike Tirico leading the way. As he continues to bridge the gap between sports and general news, it will be interesting to see how his career unfolds and whether his fans will get to see more of him on the "Today" show in the future.
