Bob Kesling, the Voice of the Vols, announced his upcoming retirement on Thursday afternoon after serving in his role for 26 years. Kesling will continue his duties through the end of the basketball season in 2025 before turning the reigns over to his successor for the 2025 football season.
For more on Kesling’s extensive history with Tennessee Athletics, check out Rocky Top Insider’s news report from Thursday morning here.
Surrounded by his family and work colleagues from Tennessee Athletics, Kesling held a press conference on Thursday afternoon in Knoxville to explain the reasoning behind his retirement. Kesling said that while his health and energy are good, he’s ready to move into the role of full-time grandfather to spend more time around his family.
Kesling shared stories about John Ward and Pat Summitt as he detailed his career at the University of Tennessee. The longtime Voice of the Vols also answered questions from the media, in which he spoke about his interactions with the Tennessee student body and his mindset during his formative early career years.
More from RTI: Who Could Replace Bob Kesling As The Next Voice Of The Vols?
Check out Bob Kesling’s retirement announcement press conference from Thursday afternoon in Knoxville below:
Bob Kesling Retirement Announcement
Full Press Conference with Introductions
