Jimmy Johnson to retire from 'FOX NFL Sunday'

Jimmy Johnson may not have been popular in Philadelphia in the 1990s given that he guided the Dallas Cowboys to a pair of Super Bowl titles. But he's become a staple on FOX's NFL pregame coverage since the show's inception in 1994, coming off as very likable in the program that often proceeded Eagles games.

But Johnson's run on "FOX NFL Sunday" has come to an end, as the 81-year-old revealed to Colin Cowherd Monday that he's retiring: 

Jimmy Johnson just announced his retirement from Fox Sports on The Herd pic.twitter.com/bpBzbR2XSz

— Awful Announcing (@awfulannouncing) March 3, 2025

Johnson was part of the original FOX NFL Sunday cast in 1994, but departed after two seasons on the crew to become the head coach of the Miami Dolphins from 1996-1999. Johnson returned to the show in 2002, and has been there ever since. He, Terry Bradshaw and Howie Long, all of whom were with the show when it began, have formed incredible chemistry. Host Curt Menefee joined in 2007, with Michael Strahan coming along in 2008. There haven't been a ton of changes to the cast over the last 15 years, and the stability has helped FOX to lap its competitors in the pregame NFL space. 

Rob Gronkowski joined FOX in 2019, and after returning to play two seasons with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Gronk has seen an expanded role on the show over the last three years. He seemingly was being groomed to replace Johnson. Gronkowski's long-time New England Patriots teammate Julian Edelmen is part of the "FOX NFL Kickoff" show that airs before "FOX NFL Sunday" and has shined since becoming a media member. He could eventually be promoted to the main show. Hall of Famer Charles Woodson is also on the pre-pregame show. 

While some people maybe be ready to retire, for others, this decision isn't as easy 💯. Terry Bradshaw let's us know how much longer he'll be in broadcasting 🏈#SuperBowlLIX @NFLonFOX pic.twitter.com/3B6veiju3X

— Express US Sports (@ExpressUSSport) February 6, 2025

Whatever the next generation of the show looks like, they'll be hard-pressed to top the first 31 years of the program. But Johnson is now retiring, and Bradshaw, 76, has said he will likely walk away after FOX hosts its next Super Bowl in 2028. Long is the youngest-looking 65-year-old in history, but who knows how much longer he'll want to do it for. There's definitely a changing of the guard taking place.