TAMPA — The Tampa Bay Buccaneers named Tony Castricone as the franchise’s new radio play-by-play announcer Tuesday, ending a nationwide search for a successor to Gene Deckerhoff, who retired after the 2025 season following nearly four decades behind the microphone.
“Following a comprehensive nationwide search, we are thrilled to welcome Tony to the Buccaneers,” said Buccaneers Chief Operating Officer Brian Ford. “Tony distinguished himself through his professionalism, preparation, passion and ability to connect with audiences. He understands the responsibility that comes with this role and possesses the talent and authenticity to build meaningful relationships with Buccaneers fans for years to come.”
Castricone brings more than two decades of broadcasting experience to Tampa Bay. He spent the past nine years as the University of Washington’s Director of Broadcasting, calling radio play-by-play for the school’s football and men’s basketball teams — including the football team’s run to the College Football Playoff National Championship Game during the 2023 season. Before Washington, he was the voice of the Clemson men’s basketball team from 2014-17 and worked more than seven years with IMG Academy as a play-by-play announcer, studio host, network manager and content producer.
“It’s the honor of a lifetime to be entrusted with this extremely rare opportunity and this one-of-a-kind role within this fantastic franchise,” Castricone said. “I’d also like to congratulate Gene Deckerhoff on an iconic 37-year run. There will never be another Gene, and I’ll miss hearing his larger-than-life voice on gamedays. The thought of following in his legendary footsteps is humbling and exhilarating. My family and I cannot wait to be Buccaneers, to be Floridians and to meet as many members of the Krewe as possible.”
Castricone will join former Buccaneers tight end Dave Moore, who has provided color analysis for Tampa Bay games for the past 18 seasons. A graduate of Ohio University with a degree in broadcast journalism, Castricone began his career in his hometown of Columbus, Ohio, working as an anchor, reporter and host for WBNS Radio and the Ohio News Network. At Washington, he was hired following the retirement of Bob Rondeau, who had been the voice of the Huskies for 37 years — a parallel to the Deckerhoff succession.
Buccaneers broadcasts can be heard locally on 98ROCK (WXTB 97.9 FM) and on affiliate stations throughout Florida in the Buccaneers Radio Network, with Spanish-language broadcasts on La Invasora (WTMP 96.1 FM). Beyond calling all preseason, regular season and postseason games for a franchise with two Super Bowl championships, Castricone will contribute across team-produced programming, digital content and fan engagement initiatives heading into the 2026 season.