Alabama radio play-by-play announcer Eli Gold will not return for the 2024 season, the program announced on Wednesday afternoon.

Gold has been the radio voice of the Crimson Tide for the past 36 seasons. Gold called 7 national championship games, 11 SEC Championship games and 35 total bowl games during his time as the voice of the Tide.

Chris Stewart will step in to replace Gold in Alabama’s radio booth, according to the announcement. Stewart will also serve as the host of “Hey, coach” on the Crimson Tide Sports Network. Stewart has been with the network in a variety of roles since 1998.

“Eli has been an invaluable member of our broadcast team,” Jim Carabin, vice president and general manager of the Crimson Tide Sports Network, said in a press 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.”

Based on the statement above, it seems that Gold, 70, is expected to pursue other broadcasting jobs rather than retire. Gold has called games for a variety of sports in his career and is expected to do play-by-play for the AFL’s Nashville Kats later this year.

Stewart is expected make his debut as Alabama football’s radio play-by-play voice on April 13 for Alabama’s spring game.

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