Love Him or Hate Him, Danielson’s Time in the Booth is Coming to an End
Gary Danielson’s voice has been synonymous with SEC football for nearly two decades. And while he’s never been a fan favorite outside of Tuscaloosa, his impact on the game is undeniable. Now, after 20 seasons with CBS—and 36 years in television—Danielson is calling it quits.
CBS announced that Danielson will retire following the 2025 college football season, marking the end of an era in sports broadcasting. His final season will be alongside longtime partner Brad Nessler and sideline reporter Jenny Dell, closing the chapter on CBS’s SEC coverage before shifting fully to the Big Ten Game of the Week.
Addressing the Criticism
For years, Danielson has been the subject of heated debate among SEC fans. While some view him as an insightful analyst, others—especially outside of Alabama—have been more critical.
In an interview with The Tuscaloosa News, Danielson acknowledged the noise but made it clear that he never tailored his calls to win over fans.
“I don’t go on [social media]. I’m aware of it, but I don’t go on it. It’s not whether it’s good or bad about me. It ignores 75 other highly-skilled people who are put on a game. After every game, it’s ‘Gary this and Gary that.’ If it was 100% positive, I still wouldn’t want to get it.”
Danielson also emphasized that his goal was always to represent the game, not pander to the audience.
“I’ve never played to the fans. I call the game. I feel like I represent the game and the fans—not just tell them what they want to hear.”
The Transition at CBS
With CBS losing the SEC package to ESPN and the SEC Network, Danielson could have continued in the booth for Big Ten football but instead opted to retire. His successor? NFL ON CBS analyst Charles Davis, who will take over as CBS’s lead college football analyst in 2026.
Davis will juggle both NFL and college football duties for CBS during the transition, bringing a fresh voice to the Big Ten’s new TV home.
Danielson’s Farewell Tour
Danielson reflected on his career in CBS’s official press release, saying:
“I have had the greatest seat in the house for 36 years and have loved every minute of it. I have discussed the timing of this moment with CBS Sports leadership over the past few years, and we felt it was important I remained with the team during our transition to the Big Ten. As we enter our second full season of Big Ten football and my 20th at CBS Sports, the timing just feels right.”
He also praised his successor, saying:
“I have so much respect for Charles Davis as both a person and an analyst. He is going to shine in this role and fit so well with this team.”
A Kentucky Football Memory to Remember
If I live to be a zillion years old I will never get tired of watching the hit that Dicky Lyons, Jr. laid on Craig Steltz in the 2007 UK-LSU game.
— Not Jerry Tipton (@NotJerryTipton) May 10, 2020
Good Lord it was beautiful. pic.twitter.com/uwjZkwuifC
For BBN and Kentucky football, Danielson’s legacy includes the legendary 2007 upset of No. 1 LSU in triple overtime. His call of that game remains a standout moment in CBS’s SEC coverage. Remember the Dicky Lyons block?
What’s Your Favorite Danielson Moment?
With Danielson’s farewell tour set for the 2025 season, fans have one last chance to hear his calls before he signs off for good. Whether you loved or loathed his commentary, there’s no denying his impact on college football broadcasting.
What’s your most memorable Gary Danielson moment? Share your thoughts as he prepares for his final season!