LEXINGTON, Ky. – The longer the University of Tennessee remains in the NCAA tournament, the longer Bob Kesling’s illustrious career continues. The legendary voice of the Tennessee Volunteers will retire after the season ends. For over 25 years, Kesling has been broadcasting football and basketball games for his alma mater on radio and television. He announced his retirement in November and will be succeeded by Mike Keith, the former Tennessee Titans broadcaster.
The No.2-seeded Volunteers (28-7) will face No.7 UCLA (23-10) at Rupp Arena on Saturday night in the second round of the tournament. We recently caught up with Kesling to discuss his career, retirement plans, and a memorable interaction with a fan. Note: This interview has been edited and condensed for length and clarity.
Awful Announcing: Why are you retiring?
Bob Kesling: “I’ve got five grandkids, and one more is coming in April. I’ve been doing games and traveling on weekends since 1974. I was in a hotel at College Station, thinking, ‘My two grandkids are playing basketball right now while I’m getting ready for a Tennessee-Texas A&M game.’ So, I feel it’s probably time.”
What is it like knowing that your next broadcast might be your last?
“I haven’t really thought about it. It’s going to hit me when the last game comes, whether it’s tomorrow or in San Antonio (at the Final Four). You’re going to miss the games. Putting on the headset is when it’s truly fun. All the travel and other stuff can wear you down. I’ve enjoyed it because I’ve been doing this for 26 years, and before that, I spent 10 years doing TV games for Jefferson Pilot. I’ve been broadcasting SEC basketball for 36 years—that’s a long, good run.”
Did you do women’s basketball for a while, too?
“I started doing Lady Vols basketball in the late 70s, earning $15 a game, and if it was a road game, I had to pay for my gas out of that. I never viewed it as women’s basketball but rather as SEC basketball. I didn’t foresee Pat Head evolving into Pat Summitt. Back then, 150 people at Stokely Athletic Center was considered a good crowd; it’s remarkable where she took the program.”
Do you have a favorite moment or game from your career?
“Gosh, that’s always difficult to pin down. There have been many memorable moments, like the six-overtime football game against Arkansas when Casey Clausen hit Jason Witten, and Chris Lofton’s 3-point shot over Kevin Durant to beat Texas. You remember the players and the coaches; it’s been delightful being around Rick Barnes for 10 years. Off the court, he’s the most fun person I know, but on the court, he’s fiercely intense.”
What do you think of Mike Keith as your successor?
“I hired Mike and gave him his first job at Channel 10. We used to host a Sunday morning call-in show on TV and radio after football games. I’m glad it’s staying in the family. Since ’68, every person calling Tennessee football has been a Tennessee grad; that’s pretty impressive and will continue. I’m happy for Mike; he’s a pro. You don’t stay in the NFL for 27 years unless you’re good, making him the natural choice.”
Do you have specific plans for your retirement?
“I have a buddy, Chet Moeller, a College Football Hall of Fame inductee who invited me to the Army-Navy game. I’ve never had the chance to attend. My sister, Diane Kesling, is a Metropolitan Opera singer and says I’m a hillbilly for not having traveled to Europe, so we’re planning a trip to Normandy. My wife has plenty of honey-do tasks, and I’ll spend a lot of time watching my grandkids play sports and learning to play the piano.”
Why the piano?
“My mom was a music teacher, and we had a piano in our house. She gave lessons, which annoyed me since I wanted to watch The Three Stooges instead. But now I think, ‘I need to learn the piano.’ I’m looking forward to it.”
Have you had a memorable interaction with a fan?
“During the Big Orange Caravan in Kingsport, I met a blind 20-year-old fan named Ryan Coggins. He said, ‘I’ve always wanted to meet you because you’re my link to Tennessee sports.’ I asked if he had ever been to a Tennessee game, and when he said no, I invited him.”
What was that experience like for him?
“I got him a media pass for the game against Kentucky last fall and arranged for his grandmother and her husband to join him. He sat in our booth with a headset, hearing the broadcast for the first time and experiencing the band, fireworks, and crowd roar. I looked up occasionally and saw him smiling. Afterward, he told me it was ‘the greatest night of my life.’ That’s something he’ll cherish forever.”
What did you take from that experience?
“We never know who we’re impacting or how much it means to them. Tennessee football and basketball hold great importance for many people. I’ve received letters, emails, and calls from fans sharing their experiences. Along with Bert Bertelkamp, who’s also retiring, it’s been a rewarding journey.”
