Mike Tirico Co-Hosts TODAY Show While Craig Melvin Enjoys Family Time

NEW YORK, NY — Mike Tirico, a renowned play-by-play sports announcer, stepped into a new role this week as guest host on NBC‘s TODAY Show while co-host Craig Melvin takes a break for Easter family celebrations.

Tirico, 58, has been a staple in sports broadcasting since the early 1990s and became the lead play-by-play announcer for Sunday Night Football on NBC in 2022. His extensive career includes coverage of major events like the Kentucky Derby and the U.S. Open.

“I’m beyond excited. I am stoked,” Tirico said about his new role. “We know what the TODAY show has meant to this country for so many years and to be a part of that franchise and to do it sitting next to the big sister I never had every morning — dreams come true.”

Today’s co-anchor Savannah Guthrie expressed her gratitude for Tirico’s presence, saying, “He was the consensus choice. In fact, I would say it was never even a choice. It was obvious. He is absolutely made for this job and made for this moment.”

Tirico is no stranger to daytime television, having transitioned smoothly back into a different type of broadcasting. Guthrie welcomed him with a lunch at 30 Rockefeller Center, which featured a turkey sandwich named in honor of the longtime sportscaster.

Since joining NBC Sports in 2016, Tirico’s versatility has made him a favorite among audiences. He won the Sports Emmy for Outstanding Sports Personality, Studio Host two years in a row and is set to transition to call NBA games next season.

Having spent much of his early career calling NBA games, Tirico will bring his skills back to the basketball court when the season kicks off this October. “I’m looking forward to being back with the NBA; it feels like coming home,” he said.

Outside of his professional endeavors, Tirico has been married to Deborah “Debbie” Gibaratz since 1991. The couple, who met at Syracuse University, has two children, Jordan and Cammi, and reside in Ann Arbor, Michigan.

Meanwhile, Craig Melvin is anticipated to return to the TODAY Show after the Easter break, with plans to resume co-hosting duties beginning April 21. He recently shared updates about his family vacation on social media, indicating a leisurely yet enjoyable time.

Fans of the TODAY Show can tune in weekdays at 7 AM ET to catch Tirico and Guthrie delivering the morning news.