Peyton Manning has delivered some disappointing news for football fans who enjoyed Bill Belichick‘s sharp insight and dry humor on ManningCast.
The six-time Super Bowl champion won’t be returning to the popular ESPN broadcast for the 2025 NFL season as he takes on a full-time coaching role at the college level.
Belichick, who joined ManningCast in 2024 as its first-ever weekly guest after stepping away from the New England Patriots, brought a unique coaching perspective to each broadcast.
His no-nonsense football analysis quickly became a fan favorite. But his new responsibilities as the head coach of the North Carolina Tar Heels will keep him too busy for a weekly TV role.
Speaking during the Memorial Tournament pro-am, where he teed off alongside fellow sports legends Nick Saban and Steph Curry, Manning confirmed that Belichick‘s coaching schedule will prevent him from returning to the show.
“Obviously, [Belichick] seems busy right now coaching college football,” Peyton told 97.1 The Fan. “So, he won’t be back this year. He’ll be hard to replace, like, I thought his insight was great.”
Belichick’s absence means a return to rotating guests
The ManningCast, produced by Peyton‘s company Omaha Productions, has become a staple of Monday Night Football since its 2021 debut.
The show, which Peyton co-hosts with his brother Eli Manning, combines real-time game analysis with humorous commentary and celebrity interviews.
Belichick‘s role in the 2024 season added a new level of depth to the show, offering behind-the-scenes stories from one of the most successful coaches in NFL history.
Now, with Belichick off the roster, Peyton says the show will pivot back to its roots – a rotating guest lineup that blends athletes, musicians, actors, and more.
“We’ll try to probably go back to, kind of, rotating guests and, you know, having coaches and players, which I always like their insight,” Peyton explained.
“But also the actors and musicians that, you know, the common criteria to be a guest is you gotta love football. And I love, and Eli and I both love, being around people who love football as much as we do in all different walks of life.”
Belichick made headlines earlier this year when he signed a five-year deal to take over as the Tar Heels’ head coach – his first college coaching job in decades and a surprising move after a legendary NFL career.
With North Carolina aiming to reestablish itself as a contender in the ACC, Belichick’s focus has fully shifted to recruiting, building a new staff, and implementing his football philosophy at the collegiate level.
Still, Peyton‘s comments leave the door open for a potential future return. While Belichick’s seat may be empty this season, ManningCast will continue delivering its trademark blend of football and fun when it returns for its fifth season on Monday, September 8, as the Minnesota Vikings face the Chicago Bears.
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