The 2014 Olympics will be here before we know it. It's actually less than three months away at this point. NBC revealed this week that of all people, Bob Costas will host its primetime and late night programs from Sochi from February 6 through 23. It's a stunning announcement that's sure to surprise the sports world, if not the universe as a whole. 

It's a bit shocking that NBC went to the young upstart in Costas. It's not like NBC doesn't have other qualified studio hosts to introduce figure skating, curling or Maria Sharapova-led tourist segments. Dan Patrick, Mary Carillo, Liam McHugh, Michelle Beadle, and Ryan Seacrest were all in the running. In fact, many experts had Seacrest pegged as the money line favorite.

In a press release, NBC Olympics Executive Producer Jim Bell said, “There is no one better than Bob to lead us…" That remains to be seen. It takes a lot of skill to say "We'll be right back after this message…" or introduce a human interest story, or send it out to the ski jump.

How will this new face transform NBC's critically acclaimed, universally adored primetime Olympics coverage? The staff of Awful Announcing will be waiting with baited breath to see how it turns out.

[NBC Sports]

About Ken Fang

Ken has been covering the sports media in earnest at his own site, Fang's Bites since May 2007 and at Awful Announcing since March 2013.

He provides a unique perspective having been an award-winning radio news reporter in Providence and having worked in local television.

Fang celebrates the four Boston Red Sox World Championships in the 21st Century, but continues to be a long-suffering Cleveland Browns fan.

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