Jim Nantz to call last NCAA Final Four next year

Jim Nantz announced Monday that he would call his last NCAA Tournament next year. As per New York Post’s Andrew Marchand, Ian Eagle has stepped up as his replacement.

Nantz’s decision to retire after over three decades is tied to the location of next year’s Final Four and the station that will broadcast it. Houston is a special place for the 63-year-old as it was where he began his sportscasting career.

In the early 1980s, he joined the Houston-based TV station KHOU before signing a decades-long pact with CBS Sports in 1985. Nantz began casting for the tournament in 1986 and will call his 32nd NCAA Final Four and Championship game next year, broadcast by CBS.

In a phone interview with the New York Post, Nantz also said he wanted to spend more time with his family, insisting that “Daddy needs to be home” for his children. Aside from calling for the NCAA, Nantz also covers the NFL and golf’s PGA Tour.

“I would like to sit in the stands for the great majority of the game with my kids,” Nantz said. “And tell them that their dad used to call this game. ‘Now, if you’ll excuse me for a few minutes, I’ve got to go down to the floor and give the trophy away.’ That will be a lot of fun.”

The veteran sportscaster will continue covering the NFL alongside former quarterback and pundit Tony Romo while leading the network’s coverage on PGA Tour.

Despite his decision to retire next year, Nantz said he would return for trophy presentations.

When asked about his replacement, Nantz spoke highly of Eagle, whose casting CV includes coverage of major sports such as the NBA and NFL for CBS, TNT and TBS. Eagle also calls for Brooklyn Nets games on YES Network and the French Open on Tennis Channel.

“It’s his time. I will support him 1,000 percent. He doesn’t need my support. But I’m absolutely thrilled for him. He’s a great teammate,” Nantz said of the 53-year-old.