What is next for Eli Gold after his retirement from the Alabama football radio booth?
TUSCALOOSA, Alabama — Alabama football’s summer has been marked by upheavals, including Nick Saban’s retirement. Those changes continued on Wednesday, when the program welcomed a new radio play-by-play announcer for the first time in nearly 40 years. The Crimson Tide Sports Network has announced that longtime broadcaster Eli Gold will not be returning to the Alabama radio booth this fall.
Gold’s commentary covered 35 seasons, eight head coaches, and seven national championships. On Thursday, Gold discussed the choice and what comes next for his career. He made it clear: the decision to part ways was not his.
“I was called into a meeting a couple of weeks ago in (Alabama athletic director) Greg Byrne’s office,” Gold told Tide 100.9 radio. “I was told that the university was ready to make a change. I did propose a compromise. I said, “Look, let me do one more year.” Let me play one more full season, home and away, and then I’ll peacefully stroll off into the sunset, and you won’t hear from me again.’
“They respectfully declined that, and then they came back the very next day and said I was not being retained.”
Gold will leave Alabama after missing the full 2022 season due to cancer. In 2023, he returned to the radio booth in a limited role, calling just home games and one trip game against Auburn. Despite prospective health issues, Gold, 70, said he had received a clean bill of health from his doctors and may work without restriction.
Gold stated that there were also more issues that contributed to the divide.
“They were not pleased with one or two things that I have said,” Gold said in a statement. “I was dissatisfied with how (2023) was handled since I felt as if I had been ambushed when they refused to let me participate in the road games. They said it was for my health, but I had already been cleared by the physicians and was doing fine. It was simply an awkward circumstance. And it was evident that they believed it was time to send me packing, and that’s how it works.”
The conclusion of Gold’s famous career did not sour his sentiments about Alabama, which he stated he maintains an enormous love for, as well as the fans and individuals he has built.
Stewart has worked for the network in various capacities since 1998, and he filled in for Gold during the 2022 season. Stewart was in charge of all road games and postseason games for Alabama in 2023. He is currently the men’s basketball program’s voice and plans to keep it that way even with the addition of football commentary.
“I’ve got a great friendship with Chris; he’s on the road with us, and he’s a good dude,” Alabama basketball coach Nate Oats said Wednesday night after the team’s 98-93 victory over Florida. “If I could go back and have his calls while watching the game on television, I would probably do so every time. Without disrespect to the TV announcers we’ve had, there’s something about Chris’
Gold’s departure from Alabama does not imply his retirement. He stated that he had multiple employment offers within minutes of Wednesday’s news release. He has taken a position with a professional group, and the announcement is expected to be made Friday. He estimates that he will be announcing games for at least another decade.
“I am healthy. I’m prepared to work. I am strong. “I’m doing great,” Gold stated. “When you look at (New York Yankees broadcaster) John Sterling, who is still calling games at the age of 84, I can tell you that 70 is still young.” So I’m going to keep working, having a good time, and looking back on the last 36 years with memories that will never disappear from my mind.”
He did not rule out going to an Alabama game this fall or later in the future as a fan, but it will depend on his schedule with his new job.
“I might. “I would hope so,” Gold replied. “I’m not sure what my schedule will allow, but there will be certain Saturdays where I’ll be on the boat spending time with my family. That’s one of the things I’m excited to accomplish, so we’ll see, but I can’t thank the viewers and listeners enough. It’s been a fantastic experience.”
