Paul Azinger’s Departure from NBC Was Not a Firing, Temporary Replacement Named

NBC and Paul Azinger could not come to terms on a new offer that would see the lead analyst for golf continue into 2024. As a result of Azinger’s ousting from the network, which was not a firing, NBC has named Curt Byrum as the lead analyst for this weekend’s Hero World Challenge.

Azinger’s departure from NBC came as a surprise to many, as he has been with the network as the lead analyst since 2018 after Johnny Miller left.

Rumors that Azinger had been terminated from his position spread, but NBC clarified this in a statement to Sports Illustrated, which clarified that the network saw a “more challenging environment” with the overall landscape in golf and sports media:

“With the golf and media landscapes now in a more challenging environment, Azinger and NBC will part ways as their current contract ends. We want to thank Paul for his work with us over the last five years. His insights, work ethic and relationships in the golf industry are well known, and we appreciate what he brought to our team. We wish Paul the best in his future endeavors.”

Azinger is not the first casualty of cuts at NBC, as the Golf Channel, which is owned by Comcast just like NBC. Roger Maltby and Gary Koch both were cut from the network last year, and some production staff was not sent to Italy for the Ryder Cup.

One insider said:

“Everything they’ve done is to make the telecast less expensive. They’re not out to make it better for the viewer. There are more commercials, they’re cutting speed cameras, cutting drones, they don’t have a blimp or an airplane for overhead shots.”

Media has been challenging since the COVID-19 pandemic. More independent networks and small-time websites and media outlets have emerged, and large salaries are not in the budget for even the largest of networks.

Azinger’s ousting from the network was not a termination, according to the SI report. Instead, they had an agreement for 2024, but Paul was going to take a pay cut. He countered NBC’s offer and the network decided to ultimately not renew.

Cover Image via SB Nation