There’s a pretty big shakeup coming in FOX’s NFL coverage this fall, and it involves the network’s No. 1 broadcast.
Pam Oliver told SI.com on Monday that Erin Andrews will replace her as FOX’s top sideline reporter. Andrews will work with the broadcast team of Joe Buck and Troy Aikman, covering the week’s top assignment, and Oliver will work with FOX’s No. 2 team of Kevin Burkhardt and John Lynch.
This season will be Oliver’s 20th covering the NFL, and it also will be her last. She confirmed to SI.com that her career as an NFL sideline reporter on FOX is ending.
“To go from the lead crew to new crew is a little shocking,” Oliver said. “I said I wanted to do a 20th year. I expressed to them that I was not done and had something to offer. Again, I think it was predetermined coming in. Not at that meeting, but two years ago it was determined that no matter what I did or did not do, a change would be made for this year.”
Oliver, 53, did sign a multiyear contract with Fox last week, and her new role will center around her doing more long-form work and some producing.
Oliver’s loss is Andrews’ gain, of course, as the latter continues her ascent in the broadcast world and pop culture. Andrews, 36, is one of the faces of FOX’s sports coverage and also hosts ABC’s hit show “Dancing With The Stars.”
“I think Erin is solid,” Oliver added. “They have made a determination and it just happened to be with a position I had held for almost 20 years. It’s not necessary to feel something (bad) toward the person who is assuming your formal role. You just understand that they have changed. The crews could change, too.
“In a few years, I think FOX will look radically different. I don’t know how, but you have your thoughts and opinions. For people to pit us against each other is not necessary and not going to get far if the two of us don’t participate.”
