Why Bob Kesling decided it was time to step down as the “Voice of the Vols”

When Bob Kesling began thanking his wife and daughters during a press conference to announce his retirement, it became clear why the longtime Tennessee announcer decided it was time to end his career as the “Voice of the Vols” after 26 years.

Kesling choked up as he talked about his wife, Tami, holding down the fort while he traveled the country calling Tennessee football games. He missed football games, concerts and other events as his two daughters, Allison and Melissa, became mothers. On Thursday, all three sat in the front row supporting him.

His emotions showed when he mentioned the moments he had already missed with his grandchildren. And he has another one on the way.

“I think it’s time for me to become a full-time grandfather,” Kesling said.

Kesling will retire at the end of the Tennessee men’s basketball season.

Leaving the sport was not a spontaneous decision. Kesling said that at the end of each basketball season for the past five years, he assessed whether he “still had the passion and energy to continue doing this.” This summer he realized it was time.

“Even though I still love game day and I still love being in the booth when our new grandson comes, I just thought it was time to let someone else sit in that seat,” Kesling said. “I will enjoy my children.”

Kesling assured that his retirement is not related to health and he is not being forced out. According to him, it was a “mutual decision.”

Kesling will not be involved in deciding who will succeed him. He said he’s confident that by the end of the day, Associate Athletics Director Alicia Longworth will have “about 300 tapes on her desk.”

“Lindsey Nelson told me one thing: go into work because of passion, and not necessarily your passion, but the passion of the fans,” Kesling said. “If you make games and no one listens to you, it’s not fun. So, whoever gets the job will have a passionate fan base.”

Kesling has spent the last five decades working with the Vol Network, making him the longest-serving member of the organization’s 75-year history. Kesling has been the commentator for Tennessee football and men’s basketball games since he became the “Voice of the Vols” in 1999 following the retirement of John Ward.

Cora Hall covers University of Tennessee women’s athletics. Write to her at[email protected] and follow her on Twitter @corahall. If you enjoy Cora’s reporting, consider a digital subscription it allows you to access it all.