College football fans know about the "Tess Effect." Could something similar be brewing at Notre Dame?

Dan Hicks is the new voice of the Irish, NBC announced Monday. The long-time NBC announcer will call all of Notre Dame's 2013 home games and its Oct. 5 Shamrock Series contest against Arizona State in Arlington, Texas.

“Dan is a gifted commentator, and we wanted to find more high-profile opportunities to showcase his talents,” NBC Sports & NBC Sports Network executive producer Sam Flood said in a statement. “Coming off an undefeated regular season and a berth in the BCS Championship Game, Notre Dame Football provides a perfect platform.”

Hicks succeeds Tom Hammond, who had been calling Notre Dame games on NBC since 1992 and will remain with the station to be the lead voice of the Triple Crown, figure skating and the 2016 Rio Olympics.

Hicks' last two Irish games were anything but conventional, as he subbed in during this past season's triple-overtime win over Pitt and during the 2011 opener against USF, which saw five turnovers, a quarterback switch and multiple lightning delays in an Irish loss that lasted nearly six hours.

So yes, Notre Dame fans may want to get ready for another season that is taxing on their blood pressure, for better or worse.

Hicks will get started during Saturday's Blue-Gold spring game, calling the action with color commentator Mike Mayock and sideline reporter Alex Flanagan on the NBC Sports Network.