Kirk Herbstreit has a new deal to stay in Amazon's Thursday Night Football booth. The reported terms also leave Amazon room to make a change if a particular coaching star becomes available.
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Amazon Prime Video and Herbstreit have agreed to an extension beyond the 2026 season, Andrew Marchand of The Athletic reported. The arrangement gives Amazon flexibility to move on if one of its preferred candidates, such as Rams coach Sean McVay, becomes available
That is a notable condition for a broadcaster the company is choosing to retain. Herbstreit has worked alongside Al Michaels on Amazon's NFL coverage since the service took over the Thursday package in 2022. He also maintains his prominent college football role at ESPN.
McVay has long drawn interest as a potential TV analyst, though he remains the Rams' coach. The reported contract language does not mean he is leaving Los Angeles or that Amazon plans an immediate booth change. It means the company has preserved an option if circumstances change.
Herbstreit's new deal is reportedly shorter than his initial Amazon contract, according to Larry Brown Sports. The exact length has not been confirmed publicly.
Broadcast contracts usually sound simple from the couch: Someone calls the game, and the network pays them to do it. This one offers a glimpse at how a network plans for a name it cannot currently hire.
Herbstreit has the job. Amazon has kept its options open.
