From Tennessee Athletics:
The Vol Network and Tennessee Athletics announced on Thursday that renowned announcer Bob Kesling will retire as the Voice of the Vols after the 2024-25 men’s basketball season.
Kesling has enjoyed an incredible career that stretches over five decades, marking him as a pillar of the Vol Network, which celebrated its 75th anniversary. His dedication and experience have made him the longest-serving member in the organization’s storied history, a testament to his unwavering commitment and influence within the community.
“Bob’s influence has been remarkable, touching so many lives as the Voice of the Vols and through his heartfelt dedication as a mentor and leader in our Knoxville community for over 50 years,” Tennessee Vice Chancellor/Director of Athletics Danny White said. “He embodies the true spirit of someone who has given his all for Tennessee. As an icon in the broadcasting industry, we are deeply appreciative of the professionalism he brings to Tennessee Athletics each time he takes the microphone. His contributions resonate with all of us here on Rocky Top and we cannot thank him enough for everything he has done.”
“Bob Kesling has been the soundtrack to the memories of generations of Vols fans,” Chancellor Donde Plowman said. “From his calls of Pat Summitt’s six national championships to the 2022 football win over Alabama, he has cemented his place in Tennessee Athletics history. His professionalism, dedication, and love for Tennessee is unmatched and we are grateful that he chose to share his talents with all of us for the last three-plus decades.”
For over 25 years, Kesling has served as the “Voice of the Vols” on radio and television. A graduate of the University of Tennessee, he has represented Tennessee Athletics in various capacities, both on-air and off-air, most notably as Director of Broadcasting. He is a four-time recipient of the “Sportscaster of the Year” award for the state of Tennessee.
“Bob Kesling is a cornerstone in our proud 75-year history of the Vol Network,” Vol Network Vice President & General Manager Steve Early said. “It will be hard to imagine a football Saturday without the presence of such a skilled and dedicated story-teller. His unmatched versatility as both a radio and television personality has been an advantage Tennessee fans have enjoyed for 50 years. Nobody loves the Vol Network more than Bob. It’s fitting that an entire generation has grown up knowing only his voice. And the amount of people he has encouraged and influenced in this industry says all you need to know about his broadcasting legacy. To me, he personifies loyalty and what it means to be a big-time professional. The Vol Network is better because of Bob Kesling.”