Latest news with #MikeNorth
Time of India
21-05-2025
- Sport
- Time of India
NFL executive snubs Andy Reid's wishes as Jaguars-Chiefs showdown sparks schedule controversy
The NFL's 2025 schedule has sparked debate after Andy Reid's home game wishes were overlooked (Image via AP) The upcoming NFL season has sparked debate following scheduling decisions that seem to challenge Kansas City Chiefs head coach Andy Reid 's wishes. Known for their dominance and loyal fan base, the Chiefs have long enjoyed playing many of their primetime games at home. However, NFL executives are signaling a more balanced approach in 2025, stirring controversy among fans and analysts. Mike North explains why all primetime games can't be at Arrowhead Stadium NFL Vice President of Broadcast Planning Mike North recently spoke about the scheduling on The Rich Eisen Show, highlighting the league's reasoning. He emphasized the need to balance team advantages with overall league fairness. 'Every Kansas City Chiefs game is an event,' North said, acknowledging the team's massive appeal. Yet, he added, 'They can't play all of their primetime games at home much as Coach Reid would probably like to,' making it clear that fairness and league-wide considerations take priority over one coach's preference. Home games provide clear advantages for teams, including reduced travel, familiar surroundings, and strong crowd support. The Chiefs capitalized on this in 2024 by going undefeated at Arrowhead Stadium, one of the NFL's most intimidating venues. Additionally, home primetime games generate significant revenue through ticket sales and local business opportunities. While Reid's preference for more home primetime games is understandable, the NFL must balance competitive fairness and national market exposure. Adding complexity to the scheduling is the rising national profile of the Jacksonville Jaguars . Their offseason moves, particularly drafting Travis Hunter , the rare two-way player and 2024 Heisman Trophy winner have generated excitement. The Chiefs-Jaguars game was 'penciled in before the draft,' but Hunter's addition boosted the game's significance dramatically. North noted, 'I think fans are going to be really intrigued to see, is he (Travis Hunter) going to play both ways? Can he do it at this level?' This unique storyline has increased national interest in Jacksonville's games. Also read: Best flag football candidate from each NFL team for the 2028 Olympics Ultimately, the NFL's scheduling decisions reflect a careful balance between honoring the Chiefs' established success and showcasing emerging teams like the Jaguars. While Andy Reid's desire for more home primetime games might feel overlooked, the league prioritizes fairness, fan engagement, and compelling storylines. The Chiefs-Jaguars showdown perfectly illustrates these competing interests, promising a thrilling contest amid the complex realities of NFL scheduling. Get IPL 2025 match schedules , squads , points table , and live scores for CSK , MI , RCB , KKR , SRH , LSG , DC , GT , PBKS , and RR . Check the latest IPL Orange Cap and Purple Cap standings.
USA Today
20-05-2025
- Sport
- USA Today
Bengals targeted by NFL for late-season schedule shifts
Bengals targeted by NFL for late-season schedule shifts The Cincinnati Bengals, if nothing else, have possible shots at more primetime games than expected in 2025 thanks to the NFL's ever-expanding ability to flex games. So while the Bengals currently have four primetime games, with three of those coming on the road, those in charge of making the schedule were mindful about leaving openings late in the season for more. Mike North, the NFL's vice president of broadcast planning and scheduling, told Geoff Hobson of the following: "I like the flexibility down the stretch and I also like that they are earmarked for some big windows." RELATED: Cincinnati Bengals 2025 game-by-game predictions following schedule release It's not hard to see what the NFL set up starting in December: Week 14: at Buffalo (4:25 p.m. ET) Week 15: vs. Baltimore Week 16: vs. at Miami (8:20 p.m. ET) Week 17: vs. Arizona Week 18: vs. Cleveland The NFL technically considers a late-afternoon kickoff like the Buffalo game a "national" spotlight, so maybe that one doesn't get flexed. But the other three games can move around -- and the last two games of the year don't even have a set date or time yet. It takes two to make a game flex, of course. The Bengals have to be in the running for the playoffs and their opponent doing the same would be nice. But there's wiggle room to see plenty more of the Bengals in primetime, or at least the late-afternoon window, once December starts. RELATED: Bengals schedule release: Quick thoughts on primetime games and more
USA Today
19-05-2025
- Sport
- USA Today
Kansas City Chiefs earn praise from NFL executive following 2025 schedule release
Kansas City Chiefs earn praise from NFL executive following 2025 schedule release NFL Vice President of Broadcast Operations Mike North recently appeared as a guest on the 'Up & Adams Show with Kay Adams' to discuss the Chiefs' growing popularity. "If anybody's paid attention, that's sort of what the Kansas City Chiefs schedule is these days. What have they won, three of the last six Super Bowls?" said North, "That puts you into a non-routine scheduling formula, Sundays at noon are rare. There are actually four or five of them this year, which is probably more than they're probably used to." The Chiefs were recently revealed as the other team in the Week 1 international game in Brazil, continuing to expand their exposure representing the league. The 'America's Team' honor has often been connected to the Dallas Cowboys, but that might change according to North. "The Chiefs have almost kind of surpassed the Cowboys as the bell cow, this is what happens when your pop culture is part of the fabric of the country right now," said North, "This is par for the course for the Chiefs." Kansas City will play seven prime-time games in 2025, the most of any team in the NFL. The Chiefs will play eight standalone games in total, including Thanksgiving against the Cowboys.
Yahoo
16-05-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
Cam Ward and Tennessee Titans: Prime-time anomalies
One of the biggest discussions since the NFL released the 2025 regular season schedule has been the prime-time television spots. The Tennessee Titans are one of three NFL teams that will not play a game in prime time this fall, and it left fans questioning why. 'It wasn't intentional.' NFL VP of broadcast planning Mike North told the Ross Tucker Podcast when asked about the Titans. 'You don't draft your way into prime-time, you play your way into prime-time.' Advertisement North was absolutely correct: The Titans did not earn a spot in prime-time after a miserable 3-14 campaign that led them to the first overall selection in the 2025 NFL draft. However, his statement doesn't necessarily fit with the league's recent broadcast history and is somewhat of a contradiction. Ward is the first quarterback drafted first overall in the draft to not have a prime-time game as a rookie since the Carolina Panthers selected Cam Newton with the first pick in the 2011 NFL draft. Ward is the 10th quarterback drafted with the top pick since 2011 and the nine previous quarterbacks all had prime-time games regardless of the record of their team during the previous season. Looking at more recent history, Caleb Williams and the Chicago Bears had three prime-time games in 2024 and Bryce Young and the Carolina Panthers had two in 2023. If you want to go back to the start of this decade, Joe Burrow had one in 2020 and Trevor Lawrence had one in 2021. Advertisement With over a decade of evidence showing that drafting a quarterback No. 1 overall will earn you at least one prime-time game, it is easy to see why fans question the NFL and how they assemble their schedule. Their actions in reality don't match their talking points. As Ward and the Titans settle in for his rookie campaign, they hope that history will repeat itself and Ward will develop into the electric playmaker Newton became during his career and make the league take notice of his talents. Then, becoming a staple in prime time. This article originally appeared on Titans Wire: Cam Ward and Titans: Prime-time anomalies
Yahoo
16-05-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
Bengals vs. Ravens schedule drama addressed by NFL schedule-maker
Cincinnati Bengals fans and others noticed something peculiar during the 2025 NFL schedule release. But it's becoming so common now that it isn't all that strange. Tucked into the Bengals' 2025 schedule is the fact they have to go on the road to play the Baltimore Ravens on a short turnaround to a Thursday night game. Meaning, the fourth season in a row the Bengals have to play in Baltimore on primetime. Advertisement RELATED: Cincinnati Bengals 2025 game-by-game predictions following schedule release Given the competitive advantage this throws to the Ravens, understandably, Mike North, V.P. NFL Broadcast Planning & Scheduling, was asked about the topic by Kay Adams and had this to say: There's nothing anyone behind the schedule could say to make Bengals fans feel better on this topic. But going to Baltimore in primetime, while only hosting the Ravens in standard 1 p.m. ET slots, is indeed a trend now. And this year's version is downright brutal: The Bengals play in Baltimore on a short week in Week 13, turn around and play at the Buffalo Bills in Week 14, then host the Ravens in Week 15. That's the sort of season-defining stretch that clinches playoffs and awards like MVPs, or puts nails in coffins. Advertisement RELATED: Bengals schedule release: Quick thoughts on primetime games and more This article originally appeared on Bengals Wire: Bengals vs. Ravens schedule drama addressed by NFL schedule-maker
