Kevin Harlan: A Legacy of Sports Broadcasting
If you ever have the opportunity to visit Kevin Harlan at his historic home in Mission Hills, Kansas, ask to see his collection of weekly calendar books. These aren’t just planners; they’re a chronicle of a remarkable 40-year career. Tucked away on shelves, these burgundy Arcadia journals hold the secrets to Harlan’s success navigating assignments for CBS Sports, Amazon Prime Video, Westwood One Sports, and beyond, including his long-standing voice work for the NBA 2K franchise since 2005.
The Power of Planning
“I can tell you that Annie [Harlan’s wife] and I first met on March 7, 1987,” Harlan recalls. “We had our first date on March 10, were engaged in June, and married that Christmas. I knew the moment I saw her. That was my first year broadcasting the University of Missouri.” These personal milestones, alongside countless travel details and game schedules, are meticulously documented within those calendars.
Despite his demanding schedule across multiple networks, Harlan remarkably manages his itinerary without a personal assistant. He personally researches flights, utilizing the travel departments at each employer to book his complex arrangements. “I keep all my travel notes in the calendar books – flights, routes… with so many games for different employers, staying on schedule is crucial,” he explains.
Mastering the Travel Game
Harlan is a master of logistical planning, often securing backup flights (and backups for the backups!) to avoid missing an assignment. His career has included stretches of calling five games in six days for three different networks, demanding a travel strategy that prioritizes both efficiency and well-being.
For example, after a Sunday NFL game for CBS on the West Coast, Harlan often flies to a Midwestern hub like Chicago, Detroit, or Houston for an overnight stay, allowing for an early morning flight to his Westwood One assignment. “Being at a major hub gives me more flight options and a chance to sleep – I avoid red-eye flights whenever possible,” he says.
A Recent Travel Challenge
Harlan’s dedication was recently tested when a flight to Detroit was delayed due to a mechanical issue. Facing a noon game in Ann Arbor, Michigan, he opted for a seven-and-a-half-hour drive. “I arrived in Ann Arbor at 3:30 AM, slept until nine, and made it to the arena two hours before tipoff,” he recounts. “CBS was understanding, the weather was good, and I got there safely.”
A Consistent Presence on the Airwaves
Since 2010, Harlan has been the lead announcer for Westwood One’s “Monday Night Football,” resulting in over 35 national NFL games called each season for CBS and Westwood One over the past 16 years. He’s also called 16 consecutive Super Bowls on radio, a record for any national broadcaster. He consistently ranks among the top broadcasters in terms of the total number of national NFL games called.
Balancing Multiple Employers
Harlan attributes his success in working with multiple employers to treating each with equal respect. He learned this approach from his father, Bob Harlan, the former president and CEO of the Green Bay Packers, who skillfully navigated the world of NFL hierarchy and passionate fan bases. Bob Harlan recently passed away on March 5th at the age of 89, a loss that prompted Kevin to cancel an NBA game to be with his family.
Mike Eaby, Westwood One vice president and executive producer, recalls a moment when Harlan proudly showed him the Bob Harlan Plaza outside Lambeau Field, revealing a deeper connection to his hometown and his father’s legacy.
A Humble Approach
Harlan’s agent, Michael Glantz, emphasizes his client’s humility and lack of ego. “He’s not confrontational, doesn’t make big demands, and is genuinely surprised by his success. He always asks me to consider his perspective when negotiating with network executives.”
Strategic Contract Staggering
Harlan and Glantz strategically stagger his contracts, ensuring he always has work with at least one employer, even when another deal is expiring. His current Amazon deal runs for three years, while his CBS contract extends beyond that.
Dedication to Each Broadcast
“Each employer is equally important,” Harlan states. “I never compromise one for another. When I’m working for you, I’m 100% committed.” CBS Sports President and CEO David Berson supports this approach, recognizing that Harlan’s work with other networks enhances his overall profile and work ethic.
Prime Video’s Perspective
Jared Stacy, Vice President of Global Live Sports Production for Prime Video, highlights their collaborative approach, prioritizing Harlan’s well-being and ensuring he’s in peak condition for their NBA coverage. They value his experience and focus, particularly during the NBA season and playoffs.
Prioritizing Family
At 65, Harlan is scaling back his travel to spend more time with his four children and seven grandchildren. He’s adjusted his schedule to be more present at home, especially during the early part of the NBA season.
The Emotional Toll of Travel
Despite his success, Harlan acknowledges the emotional toll of frequent travel and the guilt of being away from his family. He recognizes that maintaining strong family connections is the greatest achievement of his career.
A Legacy Built on Dedication
Kevin Harlan’s career is a testament to dedication, meticulous planning, and a commitment to excellence. He’s not just a voice of sports; he’s a master of balancing multiple worlds, all while prioritizing the things that truly matter.
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