Why is Ernie Johnson not hosting the first two weeks of March Madness?
Ernie Johnson requested time off, leading to Nate Burleson filling in as host.
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Sports / Basketball
Nate Burleson Takes Over as March Madness Host
Nate Burleson, former NFL player and current CBS Mornings host, has stepped in as a studio host for the first two weeks of the 2026 NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament, replacing Ernie Johnson. This change comes as Johnson requested time off,...
Key Insights
- Nate Burleson, known for his roles on NFL on CBS and CBS Mornings, is hosting the NCAA Tournament studio coverage.
- Ernie Johnson requested time off for the first two weeks, leading to Burleson's temporary takeover.
- Burleson's debut was alongside Charles Barkley, Clark Kellogg, and Kenny Smith on "Road to the Final Four."
- Johnson is expected to return for the Final Four and championship game in Indianapolis.
In-Depth Analysis
### Background Ernie Johnson, who took over the lead hosting role following Greg Gumbel's death in December 2024, requested additional time off this year. This opened the door for Nate Burleson, who has been expanding his role with CBS since joining NFL Network as an analyst in 2014.
### Burleson's Debut Burleson's first appearance as a March Madness host was well-received, with his active participation in discussions drawing comparisons to his analyst role. He worked alongside veteran analysts, contributing to the analysis of the tournament games.
### Johnson's Return Ernie Johnson is scheduled to return for the Final Four in Indianapolis, where he will resume his hosting duties. His absence is only temporary.
### Impact and Future The addition of Burleson to the March Madness coverage highlights CBS and TNT Sports' approach to finding studio hosts to replace legends in the craft. It remains to be seen if Burleson will have a more permanent role in the future, but his debut was a success.
FAQ
When will Ernie Johnson return to hosting?
Johnson is scheduled to return for the Final Four and championship game in Indianapolis.
Who is Nate Burleson?
Nate Burleson is a former NFL player and current CBS Mornings host, who has expanded his role with CBS Sports and TNT Sports.
Takeaways
- Nate Burleson is the new host for the first two weeks of March Madness, replacing Ernie Johnson.
- Ernie Johnson will return for the Final Four.
- Burleson's debut was successful, and he brought his analyst experience to the hosting role.
Discussion
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