Eli Gold not returning for 2024 Alabama football season play-by-play

Longtime Alabama football play-by-play broadcaster Eli Gold will not return for the 2024 season, he confirmed to AL.com on Wednesday. The news was initially reported by the Tuscaloosa News.

Gold missed the 2022 season as he battled cancer. He returned in 2023, calling the Crimson Tide’s home games, as well as the Iron Bowl at Auburn.

Chris Stewart, Alabama basketball’s longtime announcer, called football games during Gold’s prior absences. According to a UA press release, he will continue in both roles next season.

“Eli has been an invaluable member of our broadcast team,” Crimson Tide Sports Network vice president and general manager Jim Carabin said in the release. “We are grateful for his years of service and wish him all the best in this next chapter. CTSN is fortunate to have someone as part of our existing broadcast team in Chris to step up and seamlessly transition into this role.”

Stewart will assume the role during the Crimson Tide’s April 13 A-Day game. He has worked with CTSN since 1998.

Gold called seven national titles during his years working in Tuscaloosa, all six of Nick Saban’s plus the 1992 championship under Gene Stallings. He is a member of the Alabama Sports Hall of Fame.

“I just describe what I see,” Gold told AL.com of his broadcasting style during an interview in November. “I’m a professional describer.”

In addition to his work with the Crimson Tide, Gold had a long stint calling NASCAR races for the Motor Racing Network. Gold, who lives in Birmingham, has called Birmingham Barons baseball games, UAB basketball, plus NHL hockey and NFL football, throughout his career.