Bob Kesling took over as the "Voice of the Vols" in 1999, replacing the late John Ward. He is retiring after Tennessee basketball's 2024-25 season.

After 26 years, Bob Kesling is retiring as the "Voice of the Vols," a decision driven by spending more time with his family.

KNOXVILLE, Tenn. (WCYB) — The voice of the Vols, Bob Kesling, has announced this is his final football season with UT. Bob Kesling has called games for over 25 years, but today he said it is time for something new. He citied spending time with his family as a big influence for his decision.

Kesling’s announcement will be followed by a press conference at 2 p.m. ET on Thursday, where he will discuss his decision to step down.While Tennessee football under Kesling did not see the same level of sustained success as in previous eras,

U-T athletics announced Bob Kesling will be retiring at the end of the 20-24 20-25 men’s basketball season. Kesling, a name most Vol fans are very familiar with has a decorated career spanning more than five decades including 25 years as the “voice of the Vols.

Tennessee Vols play-by-play announcer John Ward announced that he would be retiring after the 98 season. And Tennessee sent him out in the best way possible -- with a national championship. Could history be repeating itself in 2024?

Kesling, a pillar of sports radio, is the longest-serving member of the Vol Network and someone Tennessee fans have come to expect each time the Vols start play.

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.

Bob Kesling, the radio voice of the Tennessee Volunteers, has announced his intentions to retire. The longtime radio announcer will finish this football and basketball season before stepping down in the spring.