Alabama Parts Ways with PBP Talent Eli Gold After 35 Years

RADIO ONLINE | Friday, February 23, 2024

Eli Gold

Alabama will introduce a new voice for their radio broadcasts during the 2024 football season, reports awfulannouncing.com. The move ends a 35-year association with play-by-play announcer Eli Gold. He had been the voice of Alabama football since 1988, except for a hiatus in 2022 due to a cancer diagnosis from which he has recovered. Gold was informed of the decision not to renew his contract by the Crimson Tide Sports Network.

During his tenure, Gold became synonymous with Alabama football, lending his voice to the team's most memorable moments and victories. Despite his return to the booth for all home games and the Iron Bowl in the past season, the decision to part ways was confirmed by the Tuscaloosa News.

Crimson Tide Sports Network Vice President and General Manager Jim Carabin expressed gratitude for Gold's contributions and announced that Chris Stewart, currently the radio voice for Alabama men's basketball, would succeed Gold as the football play-by-play announcer. Carabin highlighted Stewart's capability to ensure a smooth transition in the broadcasting team.

Speculation about Gold's departure being related to retirement, especially in light of head coach Nick Saban's retirement, was addressed by Gold himself. In an interview with Alabama.com, he clarified that his departure was not health-related nor a decision towards retirement, but rather a choice made by the university. Gold expressed his disappointment at not being allowed to call the spring game, "A-Day," as initially planned, marking a clear end to his role ahead of Stewart's debut in the position.

This change marks the end of an era for Alabama football broadcasts and the beginning of a new chapter with Stewart at the microphone, as the program looks to continue its storied tradition under new leadership on and off the field.