After earlier reports suggested that NFL RedZone host Scott Hanson, who is currently a television free agent, may bolt from NFL Media to sign a contract with NBC Sports, it seems like the popular personality will be doing both.
According to a report from Michael McCarthy in Front Office Sports, Hanson is “likely” to return to his NFL RedZone hosting duties “with a new contract under his belt.” This past winter, reports suggested that talks between Hanson and NFL Media had stalled, and that the talented free agent was eyeing a wide-ranging gig at NBC Sports. McCarthy now says the NFL negotiations “have progressed in recent months.”
But not to be contained to just one show, Hanson will also reportedly re-join NBC Sports’ Olympics coverage next year for the 2026 Milan-Cortina games. Hanson will return to host the popular Gold Zone whip-around show, as he did last year in Paris.
“I’m thrilled to be back hosting Gold Zone on Peacock for the Winter Olympics in February!” Hanson told Front Office Sports in a statement. “‘The Witching Hour’ will once again be ‘The Golden Hour’ as we show you the best moments from every sport as they happen. It’s the biggest Winter Olympics ever—nearly 3,000 athletes, 116 events, and one place to see it all: Gold Zone.”
The news pours cold water on any other potential hosts, like Tony Reali, filling Hanson’s seat on RedZone.
With talks around ESPN’s potential acquisition of NFL Media still warming up, one could see a future where Hanson might also have some level of presence on the Worldwide Leader (women’s March Madness whip-around show, anyone?). That’s still a ways away, but Hanson could be carving himself out quite the niche when it comes to hosting whip-around style shows.
About Drew Lerner
Drew Lerner is a staff writer for Awful Announcing and an aspiring cable subscriber. He previously covered sports media for Sports Media Watch. Future beat writer for the Oasis reunion tour.