Paul Azinger is out as NBC's golf analyst. Who will replace him? (Maybe a certain left-hander?)

There was big news in golf on Sunday when the Associated Press broke the story that Paul Azinger's contract with NBC/Golf Channel won't be renewed.

Azinger replaced Johnny Miller as NBC Sports lead golf analyst in 2019 following Miller's retirement. Azinger was the lead analyst for ABC and ESPN from 2006-2015 and was with FOX for a short time when that network aired USGA events.

That means there will be a new analyst beside Dan Hicks for NBC's golf coverage of events such as The Players Championship, U.S. Open and the British Open, as well as the Florida Swing.

So who's next? Here are some possibilities:

David Duval

The Jacksonville native and 13-time PGA Tour winner worked for Golf Channel in the past, mostly on its "Live At" show at the sites of major championships, The Players and match-play events such as the Ryder Cup and Presidents Cup.

Duval received good reviews for his thoughtful, analytic approach and for being prepared with stats and stories on the players and the tournaments.

However, if NBC is looking for an analyst to have over-the-top takes, Duval might be a bit too understated for them.

Brandel Chamblee

A former Tour player with a nondescript playing record certainly, isn't shy about criticizing players on Golf Channel's pre-tournament and post-tournament shows. He's never afraid to have a take and has been especially critical of LIV Golf and some of its principles such as Greg Norman and Phil Mickelson.

Chamblee will speak his mind -- perhaps even more than Miller in the past. But if the PGA Tour is trying to turn the framework agreement with LIV Golf and the Saudi Public Investment Fund into reality, it's doubtful they would put a flamethrower like Chamblee in the NBC booth.

Dottie Pepper

The former LPGA star has been involved in broadcasting since 2007 and is an astute on-course analyst. She's also a straight-shooter without being overly critical and has certainly paid her dues in walking almost as many fairways as she did when she won 17 LPGA events.

Pepper has worked for NBC, Golf Channel and ESPN before landing with CBS in 2015. As far as replacing Azinger, one wonders how long the memories are at NBC: when she was working at the 2007 Solheim Cup, Pepper thought Golf Channel had cut away to a commercial and she made the comment that the American team was "choking freaking dogs." She later apologized.

Charles Barkley

Perhaps NBC should consider an analyst who isn't a former PGA Tour player. Who better than Sir Charles?

The former NBA star has been in broadcasting since 2000 with TNT's NBA coverage and is legit: he's got four TV Sports Emmys to prove it.

Barkley also has no fear of speaking his mind. And he's an avid golfer and turned one of the world's ugliest swings into something that at least doesn't scare small children.

Phil Mickelson

Okay, this one is out of deepest left field. There's little doubt that Mickelson would be outstanding as a commentator. He has the gift of gab, believes he's the smartest person in any room he's in, has Hall of Fame and major championship cred and wouldn't be afraid to go after anyone -- which doesn't make him any different from Miller.

One might think Mickelson has burned every bridge he ever had to the PGA Tour in his relentless criticism of the Tour and its financial and purse structure since he signed with LIV Golf. But here's one thought: if the Tour wants to make the agreement work with LIV Golf and the Saudi PIF, maybe Mickelson would be an olive branch of sorts.

Other choices: Love, Villegas or that American Idol guy

The obvious: Two-time Players champion Davis Love III, Camilo Villegas (who recently did some work for Golf Channel and would appeal to an international audience, but his recent victory shows he's got plenty of gas left in the tank), Adam Scott (one smooth Aussie) or perhaps lure Nick Faldo out of retirement.

Not so obvious: Golf influencer and former professional Paige Spiranac, Ryan Seacrest (he's done just about everything in TV, radio and productions, so why not golf) or comedian and impressionist Frank Caliendo (love to see him do Tiger Woods).

This article originally appeared on Florida Times-Union: Replacing the Zinger: Who might be some of the candidates for NBC analyst?