Who Will Replace Al Michaels for NFL Playoffs? NBC's Coverage Inside

NFL broadcasting legend Al Michaels is being replaced for the playoffs, but he's not ready to retire yet.

Al Michaels has been a fixture in the NFL for nearly four decades, providing his iconic voice to some of the biggest games in the league. However, his time in the spotlight is coming to an end, much to the surprise of fans.

NBC, the network that has been synonymous with Michaels' NFL coverage, has made the shocking decision to leave him off its playoff schedule. Instead, Noah Eagle and Todd Blackledge will take over in the booth, with Kathryn Tappen serving as the sideline reporter.

The move has left Michaels stunned, as he had assumed he would be calling a playoff game on NBC this season. In a recent interview with the New York Post, Michaels expressed his belief that he would still be working with the network, but was unsure of who his booth partners would be.

When informed by The Post that his status was uncertain, Michaels seemed taken aback, stating, "It's in my deal. Where are you hearing that from? That's part of my deal. Are you hearing something that I'm not hearing?"

This development comes after Michaels stepped down as the lead play-by-play announcer for NBC last year, following nearly two decades with the network. NBC offered Michaels an emeritus role after his departure.

Criticism of Michaels' performance alongside Tony Dungy during an AFC Wild Card game last season may have played a role in NBC's decision. Despite this, Michaels remains one of the most iconic voices in NFL history, having called 11 Super Bowls on television, tying him with the legendary Pat Summerall.

Last March, Michaels signed a deal with Amazon to call Thursday Night Football, seemingly putting to rest any rumors of retirement. In his interview with The Post, he stated, "As far as I'm concerned, I'm doing next year. There's no question about that in my mind."

With over 400 NFL games under his belt and a spot in the Sports Broadcasting Hall of Fame, Michaels has certainly earned the right to leave the booth on his own terms. For now, fans can look forward to enjoying his work on Thursdays for the foreseeable future, if Michaels has his way.