Why Greg Gumbel was replaced by Ernie Johnson for CBS's March Madness studio coverage in 2024

March Madness 2024 is officially here, as the men’s NCAA tournament gets underway with 64 teams trying to win a national title.

But a familiar face won’t be there to host in the studio for CBS.

Greg Gumbel has been a staple on CBS’s coverage of all things March Madness over the years, but he’ll be replaced by Ernie Johnson. Why is that? Per The Athletic’s Richard Deitsch: “Greg Gumbel won’t be working the tournament this year as he deals with family health issues.”

The broadcast crew sent him love during the network’s Selection Sunday show.

There you have it. He’ll be missed and hope everything is OK.

CBS/WBD's NCAA men's basketball tournament broadcast assignments usually get announced this week but one small piece of news:

Greg Gumbel won't be working the tournament this year as he deals with family health issues.

Look for Ernie Johnson to pick up more studio time.

— Richard Deitsch (@richarddeitsch) March 12, 2024