College basketball fans who tune in to the NCAA Men’s Tournament are used to seeing Ernie Johnson anchor coverage from CBS’ studios in New York City. For now, though, Johnson is not on the air.
Former NFL player Nate Burleson, who is a co-host on “CBS Mornings,” is sitting in for Johnson right now. So, where’s Johnson?
Why Ernie Johnson Is Taking Time Away From March Madness
He’s taken some time off from his duties for CBS and TNT Sports right now. Johnson is not due back until the Final Four and NCAA Men’s Tournament championship game, which will be shown on TBS.
To offer some context on Johnson’s absence, Front Office Sports media and entertainment reporter Ryan Glasspiegel posted on X a brief update on Saturday.
Have seen a few people asking why Nate Burleson is CBS March Madness studio host.
Ernie Johnson asked to step back from some of the dates in the role.
CBS is testing to see if Burleson could eventually replace James Brown as NFL Today host.
— Ryan Glasspiegel (@sportsrapport) March 21, 2026
“Have seen a few people asking why Nate Burleson is CBS March Madness studio host,” Glasspiegel wrote. “Ernie Johnson asked to step back from some of the dates in the role. CBS is testing to see if Burleson could eventually replace James Brown as NFL Today host.”
Burleson played in the NFL for the Minnesota Vikings, Seattle Seahawks, and Detroit Lions. Should he put himself in a good position to potentially replace Brown down the road, he’ll bring some NFL experience to the role.
On “CBS Mornings,” Burleson was asked if he was ready for his new role. “Of course, I’m ready,” Burleson said. “Shout out to Ernie – the legend. I’ll just be keeping his seat warm. He’s going to return for the Final Four.”
Over the years, Johnson has become a familiar face to March Madness fans. But Johnson, who is the son of the late Atlanta Braves broadcaster Ernie Johnson Sr., is well known to NBA fans, too. He’s anchored “Inside the NBA,” which is now on ESPN, for years. Johnson is joined on that show by Shaquille O’Neal, Kenny Smith, and Charles Barkley.
Smith and Barkley, though, also pop up during the March Madness TV coverage as college basketball analysts, too. Smith played college ball at North Carolina, while Barkley played at Auburn.
Johnson will return to cover the Final Four, putting him back on the air just in time to crown a new NCAA men’s basketball champion.
