For the past 26 seasons, Mike Keith has been the radio voice of Tennessee Titans football on 104.5 the Zone in Nashville. However, that is set to change in 2025 when he accepted a position as the radio play-by-play announcer for his alma mater, the Tennessee Volunteers. He has called this move a “dream opportunity” that arose following the retirement of longtime broadcaster Bob Kesling.
In accepting his new role, Keith will be stepping down from his position with the Titans. On Monday, the Titans officially introduced his successor, Taylor Zarzour, the SEC Network’s play-by-play announcer, who will now serve as the team’s new radio voice. Best known for his contributions to ESPN since 2015, Zarzour has provided commentary for various collegiate sports, including football and baseball, while also hosting and directing for SiriusXM PGA Tour Radio during major championships.
In a statement, Zarzour expressed his excitement about this new direction for himself and his family, who have long desired to be in Nashville. “I know people always say this when they get a job they are excited about, how it is like a dream come true, or a chance of a lifetime,” he shared. “To sit here today, I can’t stop thinking about this opportunity. The most fulfilling aspects for me are calling sporting events and being an extension of a community. To be the voice of a team in a town my wife and I have always dreamed of living in is incredible. I’m super excited about it.”
While he acknowledges the challenge of following in Mike Keith’s footsteps, Zarzour is eager to embrace it. “I think the world of Mike. I’ve always been a big fan of his and believe he’s done an incredible job not only calling games but also connecting with the community and the fan base. I will try to create that connection in my own way. I’m not going to try to be him; I’ll be myself. However, we will celebrate Mike forever, play his greatest calls, and refer to his best moments. If (President and CEO) Burke (Nihill) gets mad at me, that’s fine, but I hope we name the radio booth in the new stadium after Mike Keith—it should be ‘The Mike Keith Radio Booth’ because he deserves it.”
This transition marks a homecoming for Taylor Zarzour, who, although a new voice for Titans fans, is not unfamiliar to some Nashville sports enthusiasts. He began his career in the city over twenty years ago as a host for the Morning Sports Page on Sports Radio 560 alongside Bob McClellan. Upon learning about Zarzour’s new opportunity, McClellan endorsed him wholeheartedly, stating, “I knew he was destined for big things. He was eager to be part of it, and the enthusiasm he had to reach this point is remarkable. Hearing this news is exciting, and I’m fired up for him.”
Taylor Zarzour will continue his responsibilities at the SEC Network and SiriusXM PGA Tour Radio, ensuring that he will be quite busy this fall.