UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. -- A generation of Penn State football fans has heard the familiar voice of Dean DeVore inside Beaver Stadium for more than two decades, but there will be a new public address announcer voice beginning this season.
A source with knowledge of the situation confirmed to me Monday night that DeVore has been removed from his position as PA announcer for football games. University officials have sought to move on from DeVore and had already begun seeking replacements as of last month, according to the source.
DeVore called the Blue-White Game 10 days ago, but that was to be his final appearance as the football PA announcer. He had filled that role since 2000.
Our source did not indicate why DeVore was ousted, only mentioning that the university's new administration "wanted to make a change."
A message left for DeVore late Monday night seeking comment was not returned.
DeVore also has been the longtime voice of the Penn State Blue Band, of which he was a member during his days as a Penn State student in the 1980s.
It is unclear if DeVore will still be associated with announcing for the Blue Band. My source revealed that a recent "incident" at a university sporting event may have jeopardized him being able to continue with roles in other university-related events.
DeVore's voice has been heard by millions of fans at Penn State football games over the years, as he was on hand for all of the program's major games and achievements at Beaver Stadium since 2000.
Town & Gown Magazine profiled DeVore in 2021, and he explained how he got his start in the business.
“At the end of 1988 school year I stopped going to school and started working in radio with WMAJ and X 103,” DeVore told the magazine. “Roger Corey hired me, and I was working with Steve Jones. I was doing a little bit of everything.”
He started calling PA for Penn State lacrosse in 1989, noting, "They wanted me to do it, and I said, ‘I know nothing about lacrosse!’ They said, ‘That’s OK, we’ll teach you.’”
As the Town & Gown story pointed out, "From there, he began landing more on-air gigs. He began hosting the Penn State football pregame show with Corey and the postgame show with then-PA announcer Jones."
When Jones moved into the radio booth in 2000, it opened up a spot for PA announcer.
"So, they had a tryout," DeVore told WGAL TV in 2014. "I think Penn State knew what they were getting in me and knew that I was someone who would be dedicated to doing a good job."
For many Penn State fans, DeVore did do a good job for many years. From his signature "One hour until Penn State football" announcement at the stadium, to his numerous calls throughout the game and at halftime with the Blue Band, Devore's recognizable voice could always be heard.
Like with any job that's in the public eye, there have been complaints over the years from some who have not been fans of DeVore's style during games. Here's one particularly negative review, from a football fan on a Rivals message board in 2018.
"He is the worst PA announcer I have ever heard. Anywhere. We aren’t there to hear your unprofessional non-radio voice inflections. We aren’t there for you to suck up every moment of dead space with your horrible voice. We aren’t there for you to make game calls, let alone incorrect ones."
DeVore, whose given last name is Otthofer, has worked for AccuWeather in State College as a meteorologist for 25 years.
UPDATE
Penn State confirmed the news about DeVore on Tuesday afternoon. In a story by Onward State, Athletics spokesperson Kris Petersen had the following statement:
“Dean DeVore is no longer with Penn State Athletics. We do not have further comment, as this is a personnel matter.”
