If you’re a longtime college sports fan, you follow Dennis Dodd, the CBS Sports columnist whose insights are invaluable, especially for college football enthusiasts. After a remarkable 45-year career in journalism, Dodd, 68, announced his retirement last month. His final assignment will take place at the Final Four in San Antonio.
Having spent 26 years at CBS, Dodd’s illustrious career includes stints at the Kansas City Star, the St. Louis Sun, The National, and the Omaha World-Herald. We had the chance to catch up with him last weekend in Indianapolis during the Midwest Region to discuss retirement and reflect on his career.
Note: This interview has been edited and condensed for length and clarity.
Awful Announcing: Why are you retiring?
Dennis Dodd: “The simple answer is it was time after 45 years in the business and 27 at CBS. I didn’t want to be Willie Mays hitting (.211) for the ’73 Mets. This means more time with (wife Janet and children Haley and Jack) and the opportunity to travel. While I plan to do some freelance work, I look forward to no longer having to meet deadlines.”
Who were you surprised to hear from when you made your announcement?
“Lisa Olson—I was flattered. Coaches like Gus Malzahn and Mack Brown reached out, and Gene Chizik even texted from Nepal! I had a lot of responses on Facebook; it felt like Sally Field at the Oscars. The takeaway was that people really appreciated my work.”
Do you have any specific plans?
“I’m going to work on my bad golf game, attend games as a fan, and travel extensively. I enjoy minor-league baseball for its relaxed atmosphere. Living in Kansas City, there are numerous teams nearby that my son and I can visit and unwind at.”
What’s the best football game you’ve ever covered?
“Texas-USC in the ’06 Rose Bowl was unforgettable due to its drama. Texas showed early they were ready to compete, and it was back and forth throughout, with Texas ultimately winning. I’ve done oral histories of that game and discussed it extensively with players from both teams. There were key moments to debate, like leaving Reggie Bush on the sidelines during a critical play. I love the Rose Bowl; it’s unmatched.”
What are the top college football venues that every fan should visit?
“My favorites include LSU, Alabama, Florida, Texas, and USC. When USC is strong, they dominate the area like a pro franchise. Death Valley at LSU is particularly special, as the atmosphere is electric. I once saw an official make an egregious call that led to a bourbon bottle being thrown onto the field, and Nick Saban saluted the fans in response—a memorable moment.”
Is there a football game you’ve always wanted to see but were unable to?
“I’ve always wanted to catch a Montana-Montana State game. I love that region and the passionate fans. While I’ve seen many rivalry games, some smaller venues offer incredible experiences that are hard to access while on the beat.”
You mentioned in your column that you won’t miss the parking. Can you elaborate?
“TCU’s former president, Victor Boschini, made a great point when they joined the Big 12—everything is better except for parking. On game days, securing parking was always a challenge. It was a big part of my Saturday routine, figuring out how early to leave for a good spot.”
What’s your best story about being trapped in a stadium because you were working late?
“During my third year of the BCS in 2000, I was the last one out of the press box after Oklahoma’s victory in Miami Gardens. When I left, everything was closed; there wasn’t a soul around. I ended up climbing a fence with my backpack, and fortunately, a cop helped me find my rental car after a long search—my head hit the pillow around 5 a.m.”
Pat’s Run today with my best buddy. pic.twitter.com/SdY0T9vSRF
— Dennis Dodd (@dennisdoddcbs) April 15, 2023
What are you doing immediately after retirement?
“My son and I plan to participate in Pat’s Run at Arizona State, marking our third run together. It’s for a good cause—the funds support the Pat Tillman Foundation’s Tillman Scholars, which provides scholarships to service members. It’s not just important work but also a meaningful bonding experience for my son and me.”
Will you get emotional at the Final Four since it’s the end?
“Absolutely. It’ll be special to work hard, connect with old friends and colleagues there. San Antonio is great for its accessibility; you can easily walk from the hotel to the Alamodome without parking hassles.”
