Greg Olsen given green light to pursue new job after brutal FOX demotion

FOX are clearly aware of how lucky they are to have Greg Olsen, but his time at the network could still be coming to a close.

The Emmy award-winning NFL analyst spent multiple seasons as the network’s No.1 in-game analyst, working alongside Kevin Burkhardt.

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Olsen was then demoted to the No.2 broadcasting team following the network’s addition of Tom Brady to a mammoth 10-year, $375 million contract.

It remains entirely possible that Olsen will leave FOX at some point to join a network who have a lead announcer opportunity available.

It’s a role that could come at CBS, where questions remain over Tony Romo‘s future following his arrest in July.

FOX Sports President and Executive Producer Brad Zager welcomes the idea of Olsen leaving the network for a bigger role.

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“I will be the happiest person in the world when Greg, or whoever, calls me to tell me that Greg is getting a No. 1 job,” Zager told Sports Business Journal.

“Yes, it will be bittersweet, obviously, because I love Greg on our roster. But I know that Greg is a No. 1 and I know that’s his goal.

“As long as Greg is here, we’re going to appreciate having Greg here.

“If he picks up the phone one day and he gets that offer that he thinks is the right path for him, he knows when he calls me that there’s nobody who’s going to congratulate him more and be happier for him than me.”

Olsen’s name has been synonymous with success in the NFL over the past two decades, first as a standout tight end for the Chicago Bears, Carolina Panthers, and Seattle Seahawks.

Upon joining FOX, he quickly became a fan favorite, establishing a strong relationship with Burkhardt.

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Since his demotion to the No.2 role, many have speculated that there has been bad blood between Olsen and Brady.

In response to Zager’s claim, Olsen doubled down on his commitment to the network in 2026, and his appreciation for the message.

“I appreciate him saying that publicly, because Brad, Eric and the entire company have made that very clear to me behind the scenes, numerous times,” Olsen said.

“It totally goes in line with what I’ve said from the beginning. Ever since Tom [Brady] joined Fox, which has obviously been well-covered, my stance has always been very consistent.

“[It’s] no different than when I was a player. I’ve always strived to reach the top of whatever said industry.

“Fox has always been transparent with me, and I’ve been very transparent about my goals and where I see myself in this industry.

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“This is not about me chasing my next job. This is about me being the best broadcaster I can be with my group until they tell us that our season is over.”

“I am 100% committed to this NFL season with Fox. We’re opening up in Pittsburgh [Sept. 13] here in a couple weeks for what should be a fun game with Aaron Rodgers [and the Steelers against the Atlanta Falcons].“

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