Kesling Announces Upcoming Retirement From Vol Network

By Tucker Harlin

Long time Vol Network play-by-play announcer Bob Kesling is officially calling his final football season.

Kesling announced his upcoming retirement from the Vol Network early Thursday afternoon. He took on the role in 1999 after legendary play-by-play John Ward hung it up after Tennessee’s national championship victory in 1998.

Kesling will call the 2024-2025 basketball season.

After a decorated career spanning more than five decades — including a 25-year run as the Voice of the Vols — Hall of Fame broadcaster Bob Kesling has announced he will retire following the 2024-25 men’s basketball season.

— Tennessee Athletics (@Vol_Sports) November 7, 2024

You can expect Tennessee to keep its list for potential candidates short for the next “Voice of the Vols.”

The first name to keep an eye on is current Tennessee baseball play-by-play announcer John Wilkerson. He was a John Ward protege and has been under the Vol Network umbrella for decades, and fans have taken a strong liking to Wilkerson following the Vols’ College World Series run.

Another, more ambitious choice would be Mike Keith of the Tennessee Titans. There are strong ties between Keith and the Vol Network, but luring him away from a job he’s held since the Titans’ inception is a tall order.

These two seem to be the most desired by fans on the list, but the decision is ultimately up to Danny White.