I see both sides. Eli's a legend and has called all of Bama's greatest moments since 1989. That said, I was on the road for all but the end of the last Iron Bowl, and I have to say it was difficult at times to follow the action with his call. I think Stewart's done a really good job on the road games, and having one crew call all games makes sense.
Can't help but think that this story got out before the respective parties were ready for it to. I first saw the T News story on it that said Eli declined comment. Aren't he and the other announcers employees of CTSN/Learfield rather than UA? or are they connected somehow? There's a right way to handle something like this, but I suspect this was leaked to the press by somebody before the full plan was in place.
That said, thank you Eli for so many great calls. In my mind the words "Touchdown Alabama!" are always in his voice,