The network on Monday tabbed Mayock, who had served as an NFL Network college football and NFL Draft analyst, to fill the game analyst role vacated when Pat Haden left to take the athletic director position at USC.

"As the son of a coach and someone who has been around football my entire life, my favorite part of sports television has always been broadcasting games," Mayock said in a release announcing the hire.

"The fact that I will now provide commentary on one of the most historically important teams in the history of college football on NBC Sports makes me about as happy as I can be as a sports broadcaster."

It's an intriguing hire, as Mayock's name had not been bandied about in speculation as to who would replace Haden, the focus mainly on names such as ex-Irish quarterback Joe Theismann and Charles Davis, an analyst with Fox and the Big Ten Network, among others.
According to NBC's release, Mayock has been game analyst for the NFL Network's coverage of the Texas Bowl, the Insight Bowl, and Under Armour Senior Bowl. He was as a college football analyst for ABC Sports (2001-03), Fox Sports Net (2000), and CBS Sports (1996-99).

"Mike's knowledge of and passion for college football has resulted in him becoming one of the most respected voices in the game," NBC Sports executive producer Sam Flood said in a release announcing the hire. "He possesses a relentless work ethic and perfect pedigree as a former player and son of a coach. We are excited to add him to our team."

Mayock joins the returning Tom Hammond and Alex Flanagan on NBC's Notre Dame broadcast team.