After more than two decades of delivering sharp, insightful commentary to millions of football fans every Sunday, NFL legend and longtime FOX Sports analyst Howie Long is stepping away from the broadcast studio and returning to the game that defined his life. In a stunning and emotional announcement that has sent shockwaves through both the media and football communities, Long revealed that he will be leaving his post at FOX NFL Sunday to join the Denver Broncos as an assistant coach.
For Long, who has spent over 20 years studying, dissecting, and debating the intricacies of football from behind a desk, the decision is about more than just a job change—it’s a homecoming. “After more than 20 years of analyzing the game from the outside, there’s been a strong desire building inside me,” Long said in his farewell message. “A desire to return to the field, to feel the grass under my feet, to be back in the fight. I want to have a direct impact on the game again, and I want to do it by helping a team rise from the trenches.”
Howie Long’s career has always been defined by grit, passion, and an uncompromising work ethic. As a Hall of Fame defensive end with the Oakland and Los Angeles Raiders from 1981 to 1993, Long was the embodiment of toughness and discipline, attributes that he carried over to his post-playing career as a broadcaster. Joining FOX’s NFL coverage in 1994, Long became a cornerstone of the FOX NFL Sunday team alongside Terry Bradshaw, Jimmy Johnson, Curt Menefee, and others, delivering weekly insights with a unique blend of humor, sharp analysis, and a deep love for the sport.
But even as his on-camera presence became a fixture of American football culture, Long’s heart never left the gridiron. Behind the scenes, sources close to the former defensive star say he often spoke about coaching and helping players reach their full potential—not just through commentary, but through real, hands-on mentorship. Those conversations, once idle musings, began taking on a more serious tone in recent years, especially as Long observed younger generations of players grappling with the physical, mental, and emotional demands of the modern NFL.
Now, that dream has become a reality, as Long will join Sean Payton’s coaching staff in Denver for the upcoming NFL season. While specific details of his role have not been officially released, multiple reports indicate he will be working closely with the Broncos’ defensive line, bringing with him not only his Hall of Fame pedigree but also a wealth of knowledge accumulated over decades of watching and analyzing the evolution of defensive schemes across the league.
The move is both unexpected and energizing for the Broncos, a franchise that has struggled to regain its elite form in recent years. With a revamped coaching staff under Payton and a clear commitment to developing young talent, the addition of a football mind like Long’s could be a pivotal turning point.
In his statement, Long expressed deep appreciation for his years at FOX, calling his time with the network “one of the great honors of my life.” He added, “I’ve shared a stage with legends, laughed until I cried, and had the privilege of talking about a game I love with millions of passionate fans every week. But I’ve always believed in listening to that voice inside you, the one that reminds you who you are at your core. And at my core, I’m a football guy. I’m a coach. I’m a competitor. It’s time to put the headset on again and get to work.”
His colleagues at FOX were quick to respond with admiration and heartfelt well-wishes. Bradshaw, his longtime co-host, said, “We’re going to miss Howie every single Sunday. But I know how much this means to him. He’s always been a coach at heart, and now he’s finally getting to follow that calling. Denver’s lucky to have him.”
Curt Menefee echoed the sentiment, saying, “I’ve seen firsthand how much Howie cares about players, about the game, about doing things the right way. This isn’t just a headline—this is a guy returning to what he loves. And he’s going to bring intensity, discipline, and heart to that Broncos locker room.”
Though fans may find it hard to imagine FOX NFL Sunday without Long’s commanding presence and signature dry wit, the transition represents a powerful full-circle moment in one of the NFL’s most illustrious careers. From dominating offensive linemen as a fearsome Raider to guiding viewers through fourth-quarter drama in the studio, and now preparing to mold a new generation of athletes from the sideline, Howie Long’s journey is one of relentless passion and reinvention.
For the Broncos, Long’s hiring fits into a broader narrative of recalibration and ambition. With a franchise quarterback still trying to recapture past glory and a defense searching for a clear identity, the presence of someone like Long could provide a critical spark. Known for his meticulous preparation and high football IQ, Long is expected to immediately command the respect of players and fellow coaches alike.
Insiders say that Long had been in quiet conversations with NFL teams for over a year, weighing offers and evaluating where he could make the most meaningful impact. Denver emerged as the right fit not just professionally, but personally. “There’s something about this team—something about the hunger, the grit, the underdog spirit—that spoke to me,” Long explained. “This isn’t about chasing glory. This is about building something real.”
Reaction around the league has been swift and overwhelmingly positive. Former Raiders teammates expressed pride and excitement, while current players on social media praised Long’s football acumen and predicted big things for the Broncos. One player tweeted, “If you’re in that Denver D-line room, get ready to level up. Howie Long doesn’t play around.”
Though the move represents a significant lifestyle change—leaving behind the studio lights for long film sessions, training camps, and the high-pressure reality of the NFL sidelines—Long appears more than ready. In fact, he framed the change as a return to something familiar, something that always lived within him. “The field has always been my home,” he said. “The game has always been in my blood. I’m not stepping away from football—I’m stepping closer to it.”
As for FOX, the network has not yet named a replacement for Long, though executives say they will take their time finding someone who can bring the same gravitas and insight. “You don’t replace Howie Long,” said one senior producer. “You honor his legacy by continuing to tell great football stories and by celebrating everything he brought to our team for more than two decades.”
